GUILTY New Zealand - The murder of Ariki Rigby (17), Hawkes Bay, 2 September 2022

[kburkett]

I am new to the websleuth world despite being on here for a number of years I have never posted.

There is a case in New Zealand that has not been solved and doesn't sit right with me. There was a burnt out car which remains were found, initially, it was thought to be the remains of a sheep, however sadly it was the remains of Ariki Rigby (Female, 18y/o). The police have done what they can but their family has had no justice.

Here is one of the many articles:

Ariki Rigby homicide: Teen's hands, feet were severed

Graphic content warning: slain teenager's sister describes chilling details.

www.nzherald.co.nz

I don't know how to go about this as this is the first time I have posted. I just want justice for this sweet girl

 

[Caring1]

February 27, 2025

Jimmy Heremaia, 32, pleaded guilty to charges of murder and arson in the High Court at Napier today.

Three weeks before Rigby's death, Heremaia met the 18-year-old during a visit by her to the Hawke's Bay region, with the pair forming a close connection and communicating with each other regularly.

Man admits murdering 18-year-old Ariki Rigby

Rigby was killed in September 2022, with her body found in a burnt-out car in a Havelock North reserve.

www.1news.co.nz

 

[Rikissa]

Article from 11 April 2025:

• Peta Rigby forgave Jimmy Heremaia in court as he was sentenced for murdering his daughter, Ariki Rigby.
• Heremaia received life imprisonment with a minimum of 12 years before parole.
• Ropine Paul was sentenced to 12 months of home detention for being a party to the arson of the car in which Ariki’s body was found.

'Have a good life': Grieving father forgives Ariki Rigby's killer

Murdered woman's family and supporters turn out in force for Napier court sentencing.

www.nzherald.co.nz

PDF file from the Courts of New Zealand of the sentencing - opens in new window:

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