Operation Cobham, Media Release 5
Friday November 7, 2008

Police have arrested a 14-year-old Kerikeri male in connection with the death of Liberty Templeman in Kerikeri.

Police can confirm he was known to Liberty.

The adolescent is currently appearing in the Kaikohe Youth Court this afternoon facing one charge of murder and one charge of indecent assault.

The arrest comes after a Police homicide inquiry following the discovery of 15-year-old Liberty's body off Cobham Road in Kerikeri on Sunday (November 2) evening.

Liberty's family have been advised of the arrest. They are relieved a person has been apprehended and they are now focusing on the funeral tomorrow and time with their family.

More than 40 Police staff spent many hours working on the case and Far North Area Commander Inspector Chris Scahill says he would like to thank the staff for their dedication and hard work, which led to a successful outcome.

"I would like to thank the people of Kerikeri who assisted Police with their inquiries and I acknowledge the support they have given Police during what has been a difficult case to work on.

"This has been a tragic case and it will have a major impact on all those involved."

ends

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