Fourth Arrest Made in Stokes Valley Arson and Murder Case

Police have arrested a fourth person in connection with the November arson and murder of 82-year-old Ian David Moller at his Stokes Valley home in Hanson Grove. The 26-year-old Upper Hutt man faces charges of murder, arson, conspiring to commit arson, and participating in a criminal group. He is scheduled to appear in the Hutt Valley District Court on Thursday.

This arrest follows the Wednesday court appearances of three other individuals facing similar charges. The fatal fire was the third alleged arson attack on the Hanson Grove flats within a month; previous incidents occurred on October 10th and 14th. Charges against one person relating to the October 10th fire were dropped last month.

Police are continuing their investigation into all three fires and urge anyone with information to contact them on 105, referencing file number 241105/2249 or Operation Sove. Mr. Moller died four days after sustaining critical injuries in the November fire.