Man charged with murder for Hamilton homicide

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 5:14p.m.

Police have charged a 26-year-old man with the murder of a Hamilton East man, who died early yesterday.

Police today named the victim as Jaycee Dallas Van Der Drift, 28.

A post mortem today found he died from a head injury inflicted in a confrontation in the driveway of his Bellmont Ave home, in Chartwell about 1.30am, acting Detective Senior Sergeant Nigel Keall said.

Three men were arrested in connection with his death and police this morning charged one with murder.

The 26-year-old was due to appear in Hamilton District Court today.

"He and a 17-year-old man have also been charged with unlawful assembly and our inquiries are continuing with further charges likely," Mr Keall said.

The third man appeared in court yesterday charged with possession of an offensive weapon related to the incident.

Police were examining several items to try to determine if any was the murder weapon, he said.

Community assistance had played a major part in the quick arrests, Mr Keall said.

"We ask that this support from the community continues and that anyone who spoke to the offenders between Mr Van Der Drift's death and their arrest make contact with police."

The clash at Mr Van Der Drift's house happened when a group turned up while a drinking party was taking place in a garage.

Police believed Mr Van Der Drift was bashed in the side of the head with a blunt instrument.

Another man was also injured.

NZPA

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