Police said today they have finished a forensic examination of the Manawatū address where three children were killed in a suspected murder last week.
The blaze broke out at a home in Sanson around 2.30pm on November 15, prompting a significant emergency services response. Officially, police said they were treating the incident as a homicide.
Manawatū Area Commander Inspector Ross Grantham said the property had now been handed over to the family but they would have to wait “some time” for the answers to what happened on the fateful afternoon.
In the update of the investigation, police also released the full names of those who died in the November 15 tragedy.
They were Goldie May Iris Field, 1, Hugo John Field, 5, August James Field, 7, and Dean Michael Field, 36.
Yesterday, the mother of the children, Chelsey Field, released a statement about the loss of the children she described as her “world”.
Grantham said the scene examination at the property had been completed, and this was handed back to family on Thursday morning.
“Police’s investigation into the fatal incident is ongoing, and it will take time for us to get answers for the family.
Police said the man was found in the dwelling and was not burned, but the three children were. (Source: 1News)
“Our deepest condolences are with their family and friends during this difficult time.
“They are being provided with wrap-around support.
“We would like to acknowledge the community for their outpouring of support for the family as they come to terms with this tragedy.”
A Givealittle campaign to support the family through their grief has raised more than $385,000.
Grantham also thanked the “many police staff who have worked tirelessly over the last week, and continue to work on this difficult investigation”.
