Source: New Zealand Police
Police acknowledge the sentences handed down to three men linked to the Head Hunters gang for murdering a west Auckland teenager nearly three years ago.
Jayden Mamfredos-Nair was a 19-year-old that suddenly lost contact with his family one Friday night, 21 April 2023.
Operation Violin commenced into his disappearance, and as time drew on Police concerns only grew and his family’s fears were realised.
Jayden had been the victim of foul play.
A nine-month search would ensue, with Jayden’s body being located on a Dairy Flat property in January 2024.
Today, the three men were sentenced in the Auckland High Court to life imprisonment for Jayden’s murder.
– Prospect Matthew Snaylam received a minimum period of imprisonment of 17 years.
– Patched member Zak Kameta received a minimum period of imprisonment of 18 years.
– Associate Hassan Al Fadhli received a minimum period of imprisonment of 17 years.
Detective Inspector Callum McNeill, of Waitematā CIB, acknowledges all Police staff and specialists involved in the case.
“This team never gave up their work to locate Jayden and bring him home for his family,” he says.
“I’m incredibly proud of this team, for their absolute determination to see the investigation through to the end and seek justice on behalf of Jayden’s family.
“Jayden’s death has placed a heavy toll on his family, and I know they deeply feel his loss.
“They have been incredibly composed through four weeks of evidence.
“Nothing we could have done would have brought Jayden back, but I hope there is some closure for them in being able to find Jayden and lay him to rest.”
ENDS.
Jarred Williamson/NZ Police
- Statement on behalf of Maria, Jayden’s mum:
Today marks the end of a long legal journey, but for our family, the ongoing journey of grieving and healing continues.
While today brings a level of accountability, no sentence can fill the void left by the loss of Jayden or ease the weight of his absence in our lives.
My son was only 19-years-old, just beginning his life. Full of laughter, hope and dreams.
Like any young person, he made mistakes, but nothing he did deserved to end this way.
He was loving, kind and deeply caring. Family meant everything to him. He took his role as a big brother seriously and was always there when someone needed him. He was the heartbeat of our home, without him, there is silence.
This crime has had a devastating permanent impact on our entire family, his friends and the community who loved him. The grief, the heartbreak, the devastation – it will never go away. Our lives have been shattered, changed forever.
My son leaves behind a legacy of love, light and compassion. Even in death his light still shines, a light that can never be taken away.
Though our hearts remain heavy, and the pain of his absence will be with us for the rest of our lives, we will carry his memory in every step we take.
Honouring him by remembering the moments of love, laughter and hope he brought into our lives. We take comfort in knowing that this chapter is finally over, and he can finally be at peace.
We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to our community who have stood by us through this unimaginable pain. Your love, prayers and unwavering support have carried us through our darkest days. To the Detectives, the entire police team and the prosecution. We are profoundly moved by the perseverance in seeking justice and the compassion you showed our family throughout this difficult time.
You refused to give up despite the challenges – and gave us the gift of closure and the chance to lay our boy to rest with dignity. To the Judge and jury who have carried the great responsibility of the trial with fairness and compassion. We sincerely thank you all.
Although we understand there is public interest in this case, we ask for the space to navigate this next chapter of our journey privately. We appreciate your respect for our silence as focus on our healing. Thank you.
Rest easy now, Jayden.
Gone too soon, but you will never be forgotten.
ENDS.