Waikato police will front media this afternoon to reveal new details in the homicide investigation into the “violent” death of a 10-month-old Te Kūiti baby boy.
The Herald will have a live stream at 2pm playing at the top of this file.
Mustafa Maheir Mukzameel Ali was unconscious when he was taken to Te Kūiti Hospital on Saturday afternoon and attempts to revive him were unsuccessful. A homicide investigation was launched the next day.
Earlier, the baby’s father told Stuff he had been home alone with his son, who was unwell and appeared to choke on vomit.
Ali said he “tapped” on his son’s back and bottom and attempted CPR.
He was now worried police would charge him over his son’s death.
“I didn’t do anything wrong, because I was trying to save my son,” he told Stuff.
“He was my son, I loved him so much. I was trying my best.”
Detective Inspector Graham Pitkethley said the initial examination showed the baby had suffered violent, blunt-force trauma.
Oranga Tamariki deputy chief executive service delivery Rachel Leota said the agency was notified on Sunday.
“We are assisting police in trying to understand the circumstances that led to this,” Leota said.
Pitkethley said police would question locals over the coming days.
“They are working with us as we establish what occurred in this young child’s life and how he came to be so badly injured.”
Pitkethley said full details of the baby’s injuries would not be made public and the full extent of the abuse he suffered would be determined by a post-mortem examination.
“The death of any child is a shock to the community, and we know many in Te Kūiti will be affected by this.”
Anyone with information that could help the investigation is asked to contact police via the 105 phone service and reference file number 240608/8263.
Rachel Maher is an Auckland-based reporter who covers breaking news. She has worked for the Herald since 2022.
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