The man accussed of murdering a dairy worker in Auckland's Sandringham on Wednesday was reportedly deported from Australia earlier this year.
The Herald on Sunday reported after the man was deported, he ended up in emergency housing in South Auckland.
A manager of the boarding house told the Herald on Sunday the man came with a good reference and had only stayed for a few days before leaving abruptly on Monday.
On Wednesday night, a man in dark clothing and a bandana allegedly took the cash register drawer from Rose Cottage Superette.
When worker Janak Patel followed him, he was allegedly stabbed multiple times in the street and died shortly afterwards.
Police launched a major manhunt and on Friday and a 34-year-old man was arrested at a New Lynn address and charged with both aggravated robbery and Patel's murder.
A 42-year-old man has also been charged with robbery. They both appeared in the Auckland District Court on Saturday.
A funeral for Patel is scheduled to be held in the south Auckland suburb of Wiri on Sunday evening.
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Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern was on the verge of tears on Saturday after speaking to the family of Patel.
At a media stand-up on Saturday after meeting with police and members of the Sandringham Business Association, Ardern said she had spoken with Patel's family after he "horrifically" lost his life.
Visibly emotional, she said meeting them in person wasn't a possibility yet for several reasons.
"I'm very mindful of the fact they haven't yet laid their loved one to rest, but I will be seeking the opportunity to meet with them face-to-face, and to do that on their terms, on their timeline," she said.
"I'm mindful of protecting their privacy as well. I would describe the conversation as one full of sorrow."
The investigation into Patel's murder is continuing with police still searching for sightings of a vehicle believed to be linked to the homicide.
It is described as a dark-coloured Honda Inspire and was seen multiple times in the area before the aggravated robbery at the superette took place.
Anyone who saw this vehicle before or after the incident took place is asked to contact Police.
There are a number of ways to contact their investigation:
- People with information can contact Police via 105 or online at https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105, using 'Update My Report'. Please quote file number 221123/3847.
- They can also email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- People can upload photos or video by going to https://bluebell.nc3.govt.nz
- Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
