A man has been sentenced to life in prison with a 15-year non-parole period for murdering Auckland 2-year-old Arapera Fia.
The toddler was killed by Tyson Brown, now 23, in the Auckland suburb of Weymouth on November 1, 2021.
Brown was sentenced in the Auckland High Court on Friday.
Following the sentencing, a statement was released by her biological dad Malcolm Fia.
“Regardless of the outcome and circumstances, I am pleased justice is served and he is locked up so no other family have to endure this pain,” Malcolm said.
“I speak for all my family and friends who are here and couldn’t be here with us today and say that this took a toll on us emotionally, physically and mentally.
“He has snatched away the life and memories we could’ve had with Arapera… But know that she will always be engraved in our memory.”
Family from New Zealand, Samoa and Australia had supported him throughout the ordeal, as well as police and Victim Support, Malcolm said.
“Thank you to each and every one that has helped and supported to get justice for our angel baby Arapera.
“No words can describe and express how grateful I am with the support system behind me… God bless you all.”
Detective inspector Warrick Adkin, of Counties Manukau, said children are some of the most vulnerable in our community.
“These investigations are never straightforward,” Adkin said.
“I would like to acknowledge Arapera’s extended whānau who assisted our investigation throughout.
“The investigation team worked diligently to bring this matter to court and I acknowledge their professionalism in a challenging case.”
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