The net is closing on two killers who bashed a south Auckland teenager to death on Tuesday, say police.
Fourteen-year-old John Hapeta died in his parents' arms after two armed men gratecrashed a birthday party at the family home in Weymouth, south of Auckland.
One of the men bashed John on the back of the head, killing him, and the other held a handgun to the head of another guest.
By the time police arrived at the Weymouth house about 9pm, John was dead.
Both attackers fled into the darkness and police said today they were confident of an arrest.
"It (the net) is closing on the offenders and we will get a result and that is what John and his family deserve," Mr Tims said.
He said police had made some "positive headway this week and we are confident of an arrest."
Police said no drugs were found at the house but would not say why they believed the two killers went to the house with a purpose in mind.
He said the community should not feel threatened.
"These offenders went to number 24 (the death scene at 24 Justamere Place) for a reason and based on that the rest of the community can feel safe. This is not a random attack."
He said a police profile had produced a background of the family and the victim.
"We do have an appreciation on what has been going on at No 24."
He said the family was innocent and grieving.
"No family deserves to have their 14-year-old son die in their arms and that is the bottom line here," Mr Tims said today.
He said the family made life choices but would not say what those life choices were.
"We are all different. We all have different personalities. We all make different life choices and it is not for me to comment on the family's life choices."
He would not say if the family knew the attackers.
Several houses were searched yesterday after information the public provided the police inquiry team.
Several items were seized for forensic examination by police but Mr Tims would not say if they included the handgun or the hammer used to bash John to death.
Several people in the houses searched were also interviewed by police
The teen's body and the family home were both to be handed back to the family today.
Mr Tims said police still needed public help and the public could call police on 0800 587826 or text details to 3161.
