Police have charged a 26-year-old man with the murder of a
Hamilton East man, who died early yesterday.
Police today named the victim as Jaycee Dallas Van Der Drift,
28.
A post mortem today found he died from a head injury
inflicted in a confrontation in the driveway of his Bellmont
Ave home, in Chartwell about 1.30am, acting Detective Senior
Sergeant Nigel Keall said.
Three men were arrested in connection with his death and
police this morning charged one with murder.
The 26-year-old was due to appear in Hamilton District Court
today.
"He and a 17-year-old man have also been charged with
unlawful assembly and our inquiries are continuing with
further charges likely," Mr Keall said.
The third man appeared in court yesterday charged with
possession of an offensive weapon related to the incident.
Police were examining several items to try to determine if
any was the murder weapon, he said.
Community assistance had played a major part in the quick
arrests, Mr Keall said.
"We ask that this support from the community continues and
that anyone who spoke to the offenders between Mr Van Der
Drift's death and their arrest make contact with police."
The clash at Mr Van Der Drift's house happened when a group
turned up while a drinking party was taking place in a
garage.
Police believed Mr Van Der Drift was bashed in the side of
the head with a blunt instrument.
Another man was also injured.
A name, residential address, and (preferably residential) telephone number is required from readers who comment on ODT Online. These details will not be visible to site visitors.