Tyson Brown was sentenced to life imprisonment today in the Auckland High Court for the murder of 2-year-old Arapera Fia in October 2021.
He is serve a minimum of 15 years before being considered for parole.
Sentencing judge Justice Johnstone described the murder as ‘brutal’ and ‘callous’.
‘Using considerable force you struck her against hard surfaces in her bedroom,’ said Johnstone, who considered the attack appeared to be spontaneous rather than pre-planned.
The girl’s injuries included a spinal compression injury, bruising over much of her body, and three distinct and severe head injuries.
Statement of father, Malcolm Fia
Following today’s sentencing, biological father Malcolm Fia release the following statement:
‘It has been a few months while we wait for the sentencing. Regardless of the outcome and circumstances, I am pleased justice is served and he is locked up so no other family have to endure this pain.
I speak for all my family and friends who are here and couldn’t be here with us today and say that this took a toll on us emotionally, physically and mentally. He has snatched away the life and memories we could’ve had with Arapera. But know that she will always be engraved in our memory.
For me this is now a healing experience. It has allowed me to let go of the anger and see the world differently. It didn’t bring my daughter / niece / granddaughter back but it did bring me back to a point where I can find forgiveness.
My family in Samoa and Australia, that have travelled far, as well as here in New Zealand, the Police, Victim Support, investigators, lawyers and friends have been amazing through it all.
Thank you to each and every one that has helped and supported to get justice for our angel baby Arapera. No words can describe and express how grateful I am with the support system behind me.
God bless you all.’
Only 15 years….nowhere near enough in my view….