16 Jan 2013

Fifth arrest made in Featherston homicide case

9:33 pm on 16 January 2013

Police have arrested a fifth person sought in connection with the death of Wairarapa man.

Hayden Ranson, 27, handed himself in at the Upper Hutt police station about 11am on Wednesday and has been charged with aggravated robbery.

Police began a homicide investigation after Glen Jones, 40, was found in his Featherston home with severe head injuries about 12.15am on Saturday. He died in Wellington Hospital later in the morning.

Ranson had been on the run since the fatal bashing. He will face a charge of entering Mr Jones' home armed with a wooden bat and an axe handle when he appears in the Lower Hutt District Court on Thursday.

Four other people have been arrested and charged with aggravated burglary.

Police say the latest arrest will bring some comfort to Mr Jones' family, as well as the Featherston and greater Wairarapa communities.