Police are determined to get justice for Baby Ru, one year to the day after the toddler died of his injuries in Wellington.
Ruthless-Empire died in Hutt Hospital in Lower Hutt from severe head injuries just days before his second birthday.
Police described the boy’s death as “violent”, and said his injuries could have come from a weapon, or through physical force such as slamming his head on a hard floor or table.
While no arrests have been made, there are three persons of interest, and the detective in charge of the homicide investigation is committed to getting justice.
“This is a case where we are working for a one-year-old child who doesn’t have a voice, and we have three adults who were present at the home when this occurred – none who have come forward to accept responsibility,” Detective Inspector Nick Pritchard said.
Ruthless-Empire died in Hutt Hospital in Lower Hutt from severe head injuries just days before his second birthday. (Source: Breakfast)
The incident occurred at a home on Poole St in Taitā on the morning of October 22 last year.
“We have accounts from all three. Some things that have been said to us are inconsistent in terms of the police evidence and facts that have been gathered so there are aspects to what they’ve told us that are truthful. However, they haven’t told us everything.”
Evidence was taken from the home where Baby Ru was injured before the scene investigation, including a CCTV hard drive.
“We consider that to be a crucial piece of evidence,” Pritchard said.
Police believe the CCTV hard drive could help solve the case, as it might include recordings from a camera inside the home.
“It could have footage on it that covers the incident, or certainly footage that is really relevant to what happened inside there, in the house that day,” Pritchard said.
The investigation team has so far reviewed thousands of documents.
However, he said police are continuing to urge anyone who may have information to come forward, “no matter how small or insignificant someone thinks the information they have is”.
“Our door is always open. We really want to hear from anyone that’s got anything they think might add value to the investigation,” Pritchard said.
