"Operation Leo - homicide investigation into the death of Bruce Maurice COKER - Tawa - Wellington"

Dec 26

UPDATE Please note – as of 25 Dec, Detective Senior Sergeant John van den Heuvel is officer in charge of Operation Leo, all comments herewith can be attributed to him.
Bruce Coker’s tangi was held on Takapūwāhia Marae this-morning and many emotional farewells were said.

Whānau and friends packed meeting house to mourn the loss of Bruce who was described as a kind hearted man without a bad bone in his body.

Members of Police also attended the tangi.

Mr Coker died in Wellington Hospital in the early hours of Tuesday morning having suffered a fatal head injury; he had previously been discovered on Saturday night lying unconscious in Rossiter Street, Linden, Tawa.

A homicide investigation was commenced and Police continue to work through the Christmas holiday period to establish the circumstances of his death, and bring answers to his Whānau. Detective Senior Sergeant John van den Heuvel says; "Our heartfelt condolences go out to all those who knew and loved Bruce, this is a very difficult time for Whānau and friends but I hope they take some comfort knowing Police will do everything possible to establish what happened to him last Saturday night.

Up to 20 police officers and support staff have worked on the investigation since the weekend and I assure everyone we’ll work tirelessly until the case is solved”. “What is apparent so far is that Bruce was the victim of a criminal act and the person responsible is yet to come forward to stand up for what they’ve done.

I think it’s fair to say Bruce was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time and this really just adds further tragedy to the circumstances of his death”. “As for suspects; we’ve spoken to numerous people who were in Rossiter Street at the time but our suspects list would be shorter if all those in the know came forward and told us their full story.

Although we’ve had a good response from most people spoken to, it’s apparent some are holding back on being completely truthful with us.

It may be some individuals are unsure or even confused as to what is the right thing to do here, I can understand this to a certain extent but I urge these people to focus on the thoughts and feelings of Bruce’s Whānau and the answer will be obvious to them”. “Any information received can be treated in confidence, I appeal to those who have information likely to be useful, to find the courage and come forward to Police”. Information can be provided to the Operation Leo Investigation team on; (04) 979-5267, or in person at Porirua Police Station, or confidentially through Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. John van den Heuvel Detective Senior Sergeant Area Investigations Manager Wellington Police

© Scoop Media