Significant Progress in the Investigation of Baby Ru's Homicide

Nearly two years after the tragic death of Lower Hutt toddler Baby Ru, police have made a major breakthrough in the case that shocked the nation. The child, officially named Nga Reo Te Huatahi Reremoana Ahipene-Wall, passed away at Hutt Hospital on 22 October 2023, just three days before his second birthday. The toddler suffered severe blunt force trauma that resulted in a fractured skull and ultimately his death.

The investigation, known as Operation Huia, has now identified three people of interest: Rosie Morunga, her partner Dylan Ross, and the child's mother, Storm Wall. All three were residents of the same house on Poole Street. Neither Morunga nor Ross have spoken publicly since the investigation began.

Wellington District Crime Manager Detective Inspector Nick Pritchard has confirmed that police are currently reviewing evidence to determine criminal culpability. Storm Wall, who has consistently denied any involvement in her son’s death, has expressed a deep longing for justice. She shared that she has been waiting for the day she can visit the cemetery and tell her son that charges have been laid.

Wall described the day of her son’s death as a 'living hell,' where she felt she had lost everything. She added that she will never be fully happy or smile with the same joy again. Despite the emotional toll, she remains steadfast in her belief of her innocence and is not swayed by public opinion. She has expressed frustration over the lack of charges but appreciates the efforts of the police in pursuing the case.

Wall has urged anyone with information about her son’s death to come forward, stating that her sole desire is for justice. She reflected on the past two years as a 'rollercoaster of emotions,' imagining how her son would be preparing for school and how she would have felt as a mother sending him off for the first time.

As the two-year anniversary of Baby Ru’s death approaches, it is a sobering reminder that the toddler has been dead longer than he was alive. His family continues to honor his memory by celebrating his birthday and keeping his presence alive in their lives spiritually. As of now, no charges have been laid in the case, and while new evidence has been uncovered, police have not disclosed its details.

The investigation remains ongoing, with six full-time investigators still working on the case. The tragic death of Baby Ru has left a profound impact on the community, and the pursuit of justice continues to be a top priority for the police and the family alike.