Man has been sentenced to life in prison for a “targeted” gang-linked hit at an Auckland church nearly two years ago. The victim, Daniel Eliu, was the President of the Notorious Chapter of the Mongrel Mob.
He was shot outside the Puhinui Seventh Day Adventist Church on December 17, 2020. Where he was At the event, helping rehabilitate ex-prisoners into the community.
Eliu was shot in the back of each leg before four more shots were fired into his back. Thomas Tahitahi, a member of the Head Hunters gang, pleaded guilty to the murder. He was on parole at the time of the killing and had an extensive criminal history.
Another person, who is still unknown, drove him to and from the scene in a Mercedes-Benz. Tahitahi was sentenced by Justice Simon Moore at the High Court in Auckland.
According to Crown lawyer Anna Devathasan, the murder showed premeditation, and she argued for a minimum non-parole period of 17 years. The Crown also emphasized that Tahitahi’s guilty plea came very late and only after an overwhelming case had been built against him.
However, Devathasan acknowledged Tahitahi’s tough upbringing in state care. Defence lawyer Kim Holden argued that Tahitahi did not intend to kill Eliu but was reckless and expressed remorse. She pointed to his tough upbringing in state care and a pattern leading from abuse to prison.
Justice Moore decided on a minimum non-parole period of 17 years. He criticized a letter of remorse from Tahitahi, stating, “That is nonsense.”
Three victim impact statements were read in court. One of Eliu’s sons read a statement from his brother. He acknowledging God first, “those who have passed on” second, and those in attendance third.
Another statement from Eliu’s sister read by his cousin, remembered receiving the call about Eliu’s death. A third statement said Eliu was “brutally and senselessly” taken from the family.
An agreed summary of facts noted that about 200 people, including children, were at the church when the killing occurred.
Tahitahi walked down the driveway to the church wearing a blue hoodie and sunglasses. He was carrying a semi-automatic.22 gun hidden under a jacket over his shoulder.
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