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Murder of Matthew Hunt

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Matthew Dennis Hunt was a New Zealand Police constable who was killed in Massey during a traffic stop on 19 June 2020. Eli Epiha, a 24-year-old man, pleaded guilty to his murder while a 30-year-old woman, Natalie Bracken, was found guilty to being an accessory after the fact. Hunt's death marked the first police fatality in the line of duty in New Zealand since 2009.[1][2][3]

Murder of Matthew Hunt
LocationMassey, New Zealand
Date19 June 2020; 4 years ago (2020-06-19)
10:37 am (NZST)
Attack type
Shooting, murder, homicide
WeaponsNorinco NHM 90
Deaths1 (Matthew Hunt)
Injured2
PerpetratorEli Epiha

Matthew Dennis Hunt

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Matthew Hunt was a 28-year-old constable born on 30 July 1991[4] who had served in the New Zealand Police for two and half years. He spent the majority of his time as a frontline officer in his hometown, Orewa, before being transferred for a temporary rotation to the Impairment Prevention Team based at the Auckland Harbour Bridge Police Station.[5][6] When Hunt joined in October 2017, he joined as a part of Wing 312 trained at the Royal New Zealand Police College at Papakōwhai. He was raised by his mother alongside his sister in the Hibiscus Coast and attended Orewa College.[7] According to his family, Hunt's "life-long dream" was to be a police officer after studying criminology and working in prisons.[1][8]

The incident

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On 19 June at 10:37 am Constable Matthew Hunt and his partner, Constable David Goldfinch, were shot after a car they had tried to pull over crashed on Reynella Drive in Massey, Auckland. Hunt and his colleague attempted to render first aid to the vehicle occupants; however the driver emerged armed and Hunt was killed during the shooting that followed. His colleague was wounded and admitted to hospital. Neither Hunt nor his colleague were armed with a firearm at the time. A member of the public was also injured by a vehicle during the incident.[9][10] According to police, the suspect fled into a silver Mazda Demio following the shooting and later abandoned the vehicle.[1][10]

Manhunt and investigation

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In response, the police including members of the Armed Offenders Squad and Eagle helicopters launched a manhunt for the perpetrators and searched vehicles. Eight schools in Massey were also placed in lockdown including Massey High School and Don Buck Primary School. Armed police officers also guarded police stations.[2][10]

Several hours after the shooting, the police stormed a home in Rena Place in Auckland's West Harbour. In addition, police also arrested a fleeing driver on the Lincoln Road overbridge in the Northeast Motorway after using road spikes to stop his car. The police also spoke to two persons of interest. Later that night, a 24-year-old man was charged with murder, attempted murder and dangerous driving causing injury. The man briefly appeared in the Waitakere district court on 20 June where he was formally arraigned and remanded into custody until his next court appearance on 8 July.[10][8]

On 20 June, the police announced that they were looking for a 30-year-old woman named Natalie Bracken in relation to the shooting incident. She was charged with driving charges and as an accessory to the murder.[8] Later that day, the police took Bracken into custody in West Auckland and confirmed that she was assisting police inquiries.[11][12]

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Eli Epiha

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In early July 2020, Eli Epiha appeared in the Auckland High Court where he pleaded not guilty to murdering Hunt and the attempted murder of the second police officer (the then yet unnamed Constable David Goldfinch). He also pleaded not guilty to dangerous driving, causing injury to a member of the public.[13] On 14 August, Epiha's name suppression lapsed after he abandoned his appeal for name suppression.[14]

In early July 2021, Epiha pleaded guilty to Hunt's murder and dangerous driving causing injury after fleeing police. However, Epiha pleaded not guilty to the alleged attempted murder of the second police officer, who was identified as Goldfinch. On 12 July, Judge Geoffrey Venning convened a jury for Epiha's trial for the attempted murder of Goldfinch. In addition, suppression of Epiha's earlier guilty pleas and a non-publication order of images of the defendant was also lifted.[15]

On 27 July 2021, Epiha was found guilty of the attempted murder of Goldfinch. During the trial, the defendant had maintained that he did not intend to kill Goldfinch. After 11+1⁄2 hours of deliberations, the jury convicted Epiha of attempted murder.[3]

On 10 December 2021, Epiha was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum non-parole period of 27 years. During the sentencing, Justice Venning rejected the defendant's claim that he had acted recklessly without intention. He also declined the Crown prosecutor's recommendation that Epiha be sentenced to life imprisonment without parole, taking into account the defendant's age, history of violence and lack of remorse. The victim's mother Diane also described Epiha's apology as "vacuous" and described the devastating impact of Hunt's death on her life in her victim impact statement.[16][17]

On 7 October 2022, Epiha and his lawyer Mark Edgar appealed against his sentence to the Court of Appeal, arguing that life imprisonment was unjustifiably harsh and prevented rehabilitation. Edgar claimed that Epiha had been treated harshly in comparison to other convicted murderers including Daniel Luff and Russell John Tully. Edgar also argued that Justice Venning had elevated the victims because they were police. In response, Crown lawyer Brian Dickey defended Epiha's sentence of life imprisonment, arguing that the defendant had made a determined effort to kill the police officers despite lacking premeditation. Dickey argued that Epiha posed a serious risk to public safety if released and emphasised that the defendant had delayed pleading guilty to Hunt's murder.[18][19]

On 27 November 2022, the Court of Appeal rejected Epiha's appeal against his 27 year prison sentence, arguing that the sentence was not "manifestly excessive" and that the community needed protection from a violent man.[20]

Natalie Bracken

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In July 2021, Epiha's accomplice Natalie Bracken faced trial for being an accessory after the fact of murder. Following her arrest, Bracken had claimed that Epiha had threatened her at gunpoint into driving him away following the shooting of the police officers.[21] During the trial, a cellphone video by a member of the public was played showing Bracken obtaining the keys to a car that was parked on Massey's Reynella Drive and departing with Epiha in the passenger seat.[22] Bracken's defence lawyer Adam Couchman claimed that she had driven Epiha from the scene with the aim of protecting people and preventing further bloodshed. Prosecutor Brian Dickey disputed Bracken's claim, pointing out that Bracken had not disarmed Epiha and facilitated his escape.[23]

On 27 July 2021, Bracken was convicted of being an accessory after the fact of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.[3] On 1 October 2021, Bracken was sentenced to twelve months imprisonment for her role as an accessory to causing grievous bodily harm. Justice Venning rejected the defendant's claim that she had acted under compulsion to protect others, stating that she had the opportunity to run away or to hide in her house instead of returning to her house to obtain her car keys.[24] Hunt's mother Diane Hunt also criticised the defendant for helping the killer escape and her perceived selfishness during the trial.[22][23]

In February 2022, Bracken was required to appear in court in Kaitaia for breaching her bail conditions, but she failed to appear and an arrest warrant was issued.[25] In December 2022, Bracken attempted to hide nearly a kilogram of methamphetamine during a Police raid in her Auckland home. She and her partner Zion Hamuera Holtz subsequently pleaded guilty in mid September 2023 to joint charges of possessing methamphetamine for supply, and offering to supply a Class A drug.[26]

Aftermath

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Palmerston North Clock Tower lit up blue in tribute, 21 June 2020

In response to the shooting, Police Commissioner Andrew Coster stated that "the incident points to the real risk that our officers face as they go about their jobs every day." He confirmed that police officers were not armed at the time and reiterated his commitment to an unarmed police service.[1]

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern offered her condolences in Parliament, stating that "our police officers work hard every day to keep us and our communities safe."[1][27] Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters stated that "police lives matter" during his tribute to Hunt. National Member of Parliament Mark Mitchell, who was a former police officer, read a tribute from Hunt's mother and recounted an incident in which Hunt convinced a knife-wielding offender to lower his weapon. Greens co-leader James Shaw also paid tribute to Hunt, stating that it was a "heartbreaking reminder" that a police officer's life could be taken at any moment.[27][28]

On 20 June 2020, the Sky Tower in Auckland lit up in police blue colours in honour of the death of Hunt.[29][30][31][9]

On 22 June, it was reported that two relatives of Hunt, who had travelled from Australia to attend his funeral, had expressed frustration that they had to undergo quarantine in Rotorua as they wanted all relatives that had travelled from overseas to quarantine together for two weeks as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic in New Zealand.[32] On 22 June, the Government granted permission for family members of Hunt, traveling from overseas, to quarantine together in Auckland.[33]

On 26 June, police officers across the country held a minute of silence in honour of Hunt. 100 police officers gathered in Auckland's Aotea Square to pay tribute to their comrade. Hunt's sister, father, uncle and aunt watched from their hotel rooms above, whilst in quarantine.[34][35]

On 9 July, Hunt's funeral was held, and on that night, the Auckland Sky Tower lit up in varying shades of blue to mark his funeral.[36][37]

On 19 December 2023, it was announced an inquiry into Hunt's death would not happen due to recommendations being already addressed by police.[38]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e "New Zealand police shooting: Man charged with murder after hunt". BBC News. 20 June 2020. Archived from the original on 22 June 2020. Retrieved 23 June 2020.
  2. ^ a b "As it happened: Police officer shot dead in West Auckland". Radio New Zealand. 19 June 2020. Archived from the original on 23 June 2020. Retrieved 24 June 2020.
  3. ^ a b c Owen, Catrin (27 July 2021). "Auckland police shooting: Eli Epiha found guilty of attempting to murder constable". Stuff. Archived from the original on 11 August 2021. Retrieved 10 December 2021.
  4. ^ Funeral service for slain Auckland police officer Matthew Hunt, retrieved 10 July 2020
  5. ^ "Massey, west Auckland shooting: Offender still on the loose, police officer confirmed dead – Police Commissioner". Newshub. Retrieved 10 July 2020.
  6. ^ "Police name officer killed in Massey shooting as Constable Matthew Hunt". 1News. TVNZ. Retrieved 10 July 2020.
  7. ^ Boyle, Chelsea (19 June 2020). "Slain police officer in west Auckland named as Constable Matthew Dennis Hunt". The New Zealand Herald. ISSN 1170-0777. Retrieved 10 July 2020.
  8. ^ a b c "Auckland shooting accused appears in court as police search for second suspect". The Guardian. 20 June 2020. Archived from the original on 15 December 2020. Retrieved 26 June 2020.
  9. ^ a b "'There is no higher price' – police pay tribute to slain officer Matthew Hunt". Radio New Zealand. 21 June 2020. Archived from the original on 21 June 2020. Retrieved 23 June 2020.
  10. ^ a b c d Leask, Anna (20 June 2020). "'Gunned down and slaughtered' – Police officer killed, another wounded by gunman in West Auckland". New Zealand Herald. Archived from the original on 21 June 2020. Retrieved 23 June 2020.
  11. ^ "UPDATE: Police locate Natalie Bracken". New Zealand Police. Archived from the original on 26 June 2020. Retrieved 26 June 2020.
  12. ^ "Woman arrested over fatal West Auckland shooting of police officer". 1News. 20 June 2020. Archived from the original on 22 June 2020. Retrieved 26 June 2020.
  13. ^ Owen, Catrin (14 August 2020). "Auckland police shooting: Man denies murdering Constable Matthew Hunt". Stuff. Archived from the original on 12 July 2021. Retrieved 10 December 2021.
  14. ^ Owen, Catrin (14 August 2020). "Auckland police shooting: Alleged murderer can now be named". Stuff. Archived from the original on 4 February 2021. Retrieved 10 December 2021.
  15. ^ "Matthew Hunt: Eli Epiha pleads guilty to murdering police officer in Auckland shooting". Newshub. 12 July 2021. Archived from the original on 14 September 2021. Retrieved 10 December 2021.
  16. ^ Owen, Catrin (10 December 2021). "At least 27 years in jail for Eli Epiha who murdered Constable Matthew Hunt". Stuff. Archived from the original on 10 December 2021. Retrieved 10 December 2021.
  17. ^ "Matthew Hunt: Killer of New Zealand policeman sentenced to life in jail". BBC News. 10 December 2021. Archived from the original on 10 December 2021. Retrieved 10 December 2021.
  18. ^ Bhamidipati, Soumya (7 October 2022). "Fatal shooting of Matthew Hunt: Family relive tragedy as Eli Epiha appeals sentence". Radio New Zealand. Archived from the original on 6 October 2022. Retrieved 12 October 2022.
  19. ^ James, Laura (6 October 2022). "Constable Matthew Hunt's murderer appeals 'harsh' sentence". 1News. TVNZ. Archived from the original on 6 October 2022. Retrieved 12 October 2022.
  20. ^ Owen, Catrin (26 October 2022). "Constance Matthew Hunt's killer fails to have 27-year jail sentence reduced". Stuff. Archived from the original on 5 November 2022. Retrieved 10 November 2022.
  21. ^ Owen, Catrin (21 July 2021). "Auckland police shooting: 'Drive, drive. I just killed a cop', gunman alleged to have said". Stuff. Archived from the original on 14 September 2021. Retrieved 10 December 2021.
  22. ^ a b Wilkins, Alice (1 October 2021). "Matthew Hunt: Getaway driver Natalie Bracken sentenced to 12 months in prison". Newshub. Archived from the original on 15 October 2021. Retrieved 10 December 2021.
  23. ^ a b Weekes, John (1 October 2021). "Constable Matt Hunt trial: Natalie Bracken a shameless loser and coward, Hunt's mum says". The New Zealand Herald. Archived from the original on 14 October 2021. Retrieved 10 December 2021.
  24. ^ Owen, Catrin (1 October 2021). "Auckland police shooting: Eli Epiha's getaway driver sentenced to 12 months imprisonment". Stuff. Archived from the original on 25 November 2021. Retrieved 10 December 2021.
  25. ^ Curtis, Sarah (14 February 2022). "Northland woman who helped Matthew Hunt's killer fails to show up in Kaitaia court". The Northern Advocate. Archived from the original on 2 July 2023. Retrieved 18 September 2023.
  26. ^ Savage, Jared (17 September 2023). "Cop killer's getaway driver caught throwing nearly 1kg of meth out window during police raid". The New Zealand Herald. Archived from the original on 17 September 2023. Retrieved 18 September 2023.
  27. ^ a b Devlin, Collette (24 June 2020). "Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters tells Parliament 'police lives matter' after death of Constable Matthew Hunt". Stuff. Archived from the original on 24 June 2020. Retrieved 26 June 2020.
  28. ^ Sadler, Rachel (23 June 2020). "National MP Mark Mitchell reads emotional tribute to Constable Matthew Hunt". Newshub. Archived from the original on 24 June 2020. Retrieved 26 June 2020.
  29. ^ "Auckland police shooting: Sky Tower turns blue to honour slain police officer Matthew Hunt". Stuff. 20 June 2020. Archived from the original on 21 April 2021. Retrieved 10 December 2021.
  30. ^ "Police shooting: Sky Tower lights up in blue to honour Constable Matthew Hunt". The New Zealand Herald. 21 June 2020. ISSN 1170-0777. Archived from the original on 30 April 2021. Retrieved 10 December 2021.
  31. ^ Ensor, James (20 June 2020). "Sky Tower bright blue to honour fallen police officer Matthew Hunt". Newshub. Archived from the original on 22 July 2020. Retrieved 10 December 2021.
  32. ^ "Frustration as Matthew Hunt's family quarantined in Rotorua". New Zealand Herald. 22 June 2020. Archived from the original on 25 June 2020. Retrieved 26 June 2020.
  33. ^ "Family of slain police officer Matthew Hunt granted permission to isolate together in Auckland". 1News. TVNZ. 24 June 2020. Archived from the original on 25 June 2020. Retrieved 26 June 2020.
  34. ^ Earley, Melanie; Woolf, Amber-Leigh; Tokalau-Chandra, Torika (26 June 2020). "Auckland police shooting: Officers across country pay tribute to Matthew Hunt". Stuff. Archived from the original on 1 December 2021. Retrieved 26 June 2020.
  35. ^ "Police across NZ honour fallen officer Constable Matthew Hunt with minute's silence". 1News. 26 June 2020. Archived from the original on 26 June 2020. Retrieved 26 June 2020.
  36. ^ "Watch: Sky Tower lights up police blue to mark funeral of Constable Matthew Hunt". 1News. TVNZ. 9 July 2020. Archived from the original on 15 August 2020. Retrieved 10 December 2021.
  37. ^ "Auckland police shooting: Sky Tower to light up for Matthew Hunt's funeral". Stuff. 6 July 2021. Archived from the original on 7 December 2020. Retrieved 10 December 2021.
  38. ^ "Coronial inquiry into Constable Matthew Hunt's death ruled out". RNZ. 19 December 2023. Retrieved 20 December 2023.

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