Two Black Power Members Found Guilty in the Murder of Hori Gage

Hori Gage, a 27-year-old man, was brutally murdered in front of his long-term partner and three children on August 6, 2023, in Palmerston North, New Zealand. Today, two members of the Black Power gang, Royden Haenga and Robert Richards, were found guilty of his murder by a jury in the High Court at Palmerston North. The Crown described the killing as a cold-blooded act of retaliation for an unrelated incident involving a local Black Power member days earlier.

The incident unfolded on a Sunday afternoon, when Gage was on his driveway with his family in the back seat of his car. According to the Crown’s evidence, Haenga and Richards, both members of the Black Power gang, drove past Gage wearing a red jacket, which they apparently took as a signal to retaliate. They turned around, stopped their car, and opened fire. Gage was shot multiple times, with five bullets coming from Richards’ gun and one from Haenga’s rifle. He died at the scene, while his partner and children watched in horror.

Police recovered six bullets from Gage’s body, confirming the Crown’s claim that Richards was the primary shooter. After the killing, the two men fled the scene, instructing three lower-ranking gang members to set the car on fire and destroy evidence. Those three were later charged and pleaded guilty to arson.

Despite the overwhelming evidence, both Haenga and Richards denied any intent to kill. Haenga’s defense argued that he had only intended to intimidate Gage, claiming he had aimed low with his rifle. However, the jury rejected this argument, delivering guilty verdicts after deliberating for over 11 hours. Neither defendant took the stand, and their legal teams did not present any witnesses in their defense.

Prosecutor Guy Carter emphasized that the murder was a targeted and callous execution, carried out in retaliation for an unrelated incident involving a senior Black Power member. He highlighted cellphone polling data and CCTV footage that placed Haenga and Richards at the scene, confirming their involvement.

The trial also exposed inconsistencies in the testimony of a key witness, who initially lied to police but later changed his story after reviewing CCTV footage of the aftermath. His lawyer, William Hawkins, argued that the witness was trying to cover up his own involvement in the crime.

The case has sparked renewed calls for action against gang-related violence in New Zealand, with many questioning how such a brutal act could occur in broad daylight and in front of a family. As the legal process continues, the community awaits the sentencing of Haenga and Richards, who now face life in prison for their roles in the murder of Hori Gage.