Man hands himself in over Featherston death

The fifth person wanted in connection with the bashing death of a Wairarapa man gave himself up to police today after being on the run for four days.

Police say Hayden Ranson, 27, handed himself in at the Upper Hutt Police Station just before 11am.

Police had been searching for Mr Ranson since supermarket worker Glen Jones died early on Saturday hours after a violent attack in his Featherston home.

He will appear in the Lower Hutt District Court tomorrow morning facing a charge of aggravated burglary.

Detective Inspector Sean Hansen said Mr Jones' family had been eagerly anticipating a resolution and would be relieved.

"This result will also bring some comfort to the Featherston and greater Wairarapa communities," he said.

Three others - a man aged 28 and two women aged 32 and 22 - have already appeared in court and have interim name suppression.

The fourth, Kristofer Jones, 23, who also fled but was found and arrested in Hunterville at 2am yesterday, appeared in Palmerston North District Court yesterday.

Like the others he was charged with aggravated burglary. He will appear alongside his co-accused in Masterton District Court on Friday.

Glen Jones' family issued a statement yesterday telling of their devastation.

They said he was loved by them and his friends and would be especially missed by his nieces and nephews.

"He was part of the fabric of the Featherston community and lots of people looked out for him.

"We know many people around town had a soft spot for Jonesy and will sympathise with our grief."

Mr Jones' funeral will be held on Friday.

Police were still making enquiries into Mr Jones' death and were appealing for anyone with information to contact them.

 

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