Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Retaliation not factor in Kapiti killing - police

Updated at 9:49 pm on 17 September 2012

The Kapiti area police commander says retaliation has been ruled out as a factor in a second violent death in Paraparaumu's town centre.

Sean Strongman-Lintern, who was 20, died early on Saturday morning.

Five weeks ago Izak Millanta, who was 17, died after being attacked in the same area.

Inspector John Price told Checkpoint police are not aware of any association between the attacks, despite both victims being from Kapiti and the two men arrested being from Porirua.

Inspector Price says there is a violent drinking culture among the town's young men and the community needs to take some responsibility.

He says Saturday's fight occurred near the police station, but officers were out attending a robbery at the time.

He says police can't be everywhere at the same time and the community needs to take responsiblity for their drinking and behaviour.

Tristim Lee Eastham, 24, of Waitangirua has been charged with Mr Strongman-Lintern's murder. He was remanded in custody by Porirua District Court on Monday.

A man has been charged with manslaughter over Izak Millanta's death.

Listen to more on Checkpoint

Listen to Inspector Price on Checkpoint

Council steps

Kapiti District Council is to increase lighting and introduce security cameras following the deaths.

Mayor Jenny Rowan says she met on Monday with police, councillors and staff from the bar Mr Strongman-Lintern had been involved in a fight outside.

Ms Rowan says they also discussed an increased police presence.

Ms Rowan told Morning Report earlier on Monday the area has become unsafe, as drunk people leave bars and congregate in the car park.

She says the council will try to enforce a liquor ban.

Inspector Price says police have already filed a request for the closing time of bars at Kapiti Lights to be pulled back to 1am.

Currently they close at 3am, the latest in the Kapiti area.

Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand