Four accused found guilty of the murder of Sao Yean were sentenced today in the High Court.
Mihingarangi Tynneal Rameka, Daniel Payne, Neha Wiremu Grey, and Anton Rite were found guilty of the murder of Yean after his body was found in a water trough on a property in Gordonton, Waikato. He was killed in the early hours on 13 March 2020.
Rameka, 28, was jailed for life with a minimum non-parole period of 18 and a half years, Payne and Grey 18 years, and Rite, 11 years.
According to sentencing judge Justice Brewer, Rameka arranged for Yean to be brought to the property, Payne was ‘dominant’ in the murder, Grey played a ‘full part’, while Rite played a key role in disposing of Yean’s body.
Although the actual cause of death could not be determined, an autopsy showed Yean had multiple fractures to his head and shoulders.
Statement on behalf of Sao Yean’s family
On behalf of Sao Yean, our family would like to thank the crown prosecution, police, the witnesses and jury for their time and effort in bringing the offenders to justice in what has been a complex case.
We would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our victim support worker, Nicky, who assisted us and sat through the whole trial with our family. Sao was a father, son, brother and friend and he is sadly missed.
We feel that Sao has now been vindicated with the outcome of the trial and its coverage. The sentencing has brought a close to what has been a long and difficult time for us as a family. We can now start to heal and move forward.
Acknowledgement of sentencing, Detective Inspector Graham Pitkethley
Police acknowledge the sentence handed down today in the Hamilton High Court in relation to the murder of Sao Yean.
No sentence can give Sao back to their family, and we recognise them today for their dedication to seeing justice done for their loved one.
I would also like to acknowledge the dedication and professionalism of the investigators and trial team that did an outstanding job in getting justice for Sao and his family.
