Ruthless-Empire Ahipene-Wall, known as Baby Ru, died just before his second birthday, on 22 October, after being taken to Hutt Hospital in an unresponsive state. Photo: Supplied
Police have issued a fresh appeal for information about the death of Baby Ru.
The toddler died just days shy of his second birthday on 22 October last year.
Three adults known to Baby Ru, previously known as Ruthless-Empire Ahipene-Wall, are considered persons of interest in the homicide probe.
The three are Rosie Morunga, her partner Dylan Ross and Ru's mother, Storm Wall.
Detective Inspector Nick Pritchard said police were continuing to investigate the boy's death, the result of blunt force trauma, in Lower Hutt.
Detective Inspector Nick Pritchard. Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver
"He would have turned two a few days after his death, but instead of celebrating his birthday, whānau were grieving and preparing for his tangi," Pritchard said.
"The investigation team remains absolutely committed to getting justice for Baby Ru and holding the person or persons responsible to account."
We are continuing to engage with them, in an effort to establish exactly what took place at the Lower Hutt property prior to Baby Ru's death, and in the days following."
Pritchard thanked everyone who had provided information to police as a result of previous appeals.
Baby Ru. Photo: Supplied
"Every piece of information, no matter how small, is valuable and helps us build a picture of what occurred before and after Baby Ru's death.
"Anyone who has information that could help the investigation team is urged to do the right thing by Baby Ru, and contact Police quoting file number 231022/1708."
People can also pass on information anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
In December, police were searching for items they said were deliberately removed from the scene, which was 'cleaned' before officers arrived.
A hard drive, power back up unit and duvet cover were among the items they wanted to find.
"We believe that the items were deliberately removed from the Poole Street, Taitā property and have subsequently been concealed or disposed of," Pritchard earlier said .
"Attempts have been made to clean and alter the crime scene before police arrived ... people seen using a grey-green 1994 Nissan Sentra, registration TE6972, were responsible for disposing of this evidence."