Police urge public to provide information on Baby Ru's death anniversary
Thursday 22 October 2026 · 5 outlets · 4 reports · updated 
Police are calling for anyone with information regarding the 2023 death of Baby Ru to come forward. Three years after the Lower Hutt toddler died from head injuries at Hutt Hospital, investigators say they are continuing to follow every possible lead.
Key facts
4 facts
- Baby Ru died in October 2023 from severe head injuries
- The investigation is known as Operation Huia
- Three people are persons of interest: Rosie Morunga, Dylan Ross, and Storm Wall
- The incident occurred at a home in Taitā on 22 October 2023
The full story
1 min read · 4 outlets
Police are urging individuals withholding information regarding the death of Baby Ru to come forward. On the three-year anniversary of the toddler's death, Detective Inspector Nick Pritchard said the investigation team remains as committed as they were on the first day to ensure justice is served. The homicide investigation, known as Operation Huia, is being conducted by a small, dedicated team with oversight from a senior investigating officer.
Baby Ru, officially named Nga Reo Te Huatahi Reremoana Ahipene-Wall, died at Hutt Hospital in October 2023. He suffered blunt force trauma so severe it fractured his skull. Police previously stated the injuries could have resulted from a weapon or physical force, such as being slammed against a hard surface.
Three people are considered persons of interest in the case: Rosie Morunga, her then-partner Dylan Ross, and the child's mother, Storm Wall. Three people were inside the Poole Street, Taitā home on 22 October 2023 when the injuries occurred. Storm Wall has repeatedly denied involvement in her son's death.
Detective Inspector Pritchard stated that police believe people possess information that is weighing on their conscience. He added, "We are highly motivated to hold the person responsible to account, and we continue to engage with the Crown Solicitor and forensic experts to assess evidential material gathered in order to determine the criminal liability of persons of interest".
Compiled from reports by The Post, RNZ, 1News and Otago Daily Times.