INDEPENDENT NEWS

Two arrested in McLaren Falls homicide investigation

Published: Sat 21 Jul 2018 01:50 PM
"Two arrested in McLaren Falls homicide investigation + family statement"
Please attribute to Detective Inspector Graham Pitkethley, District Manager Criminal Investigations, Waikato
Two people have been arrested in relation to Operation Conga, the investigation into the death of Ngaruawahia man Mitchell Paterson.
A 36-year-old man was arrested last evening in Paeroa and is due to appear in the Hamilton District Court on Monday 23 July on charges of murder and kidnapping.
A 27-year-old man has been arrested and charged with being an accessory after the fact, and is due to appear in Hamilton District Court on July 31.
Mr Paterson’s body was found at McLaren Falls near Tauranga on July 13 this year.
The enquiry into the circumstances surrounding his death continues.
Police would like to thank the community for their assistance, especially those community members in Paeroa yesterday evening, who were patient with Police while inquiries into the operation were being conducted.
Anyone with further information can contact Hamilton Police on (07) 856 6200.
Mr Paterson’s family has provided the following statement and it is released by Police on behalf of the family:
“Mitchell had a heart of gold. He was a hard-working and a well-loved father, son, grandson, nephew, cousin and dear friend. He will be sadly missed by his family.
We are extremely grateful and appreciate the Police investigation team working quickly to identify and hold people to account for Mitchell’s death.
We ask that the public and media please respect our privacy at this difficult time so we can process our loss and grieve as a family for Mitchell.”
ENDS

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