Hutt Valley Police have arrested three men in connection with the murder of 82-year-old Ian David Moller and a series of arsons at his Stokes Valley home last year.
A homicide investigation was launched in November 2024 after one of three fires at the Hanson Grove property resulted in Moller’s death.
This morning, police executed multiple search warrants across the Hutt Valley, targeting three men in their 20s and 30s. Two have been charged with murder, arson, and conspiracy to commit arson, while the third faces charges of arson and conspiracy. All three are also charged with participating in a criminal group.
They were set to appear in the Hutt Valley District Court this afternoon.
Four others were arrested during the operation on unrelated matters.
“This has been a long and protracted enquiry, culminating in today’s arrests through the dedicated work of detectives in the Hutt Valley and wider Wellington District,” said Detective Inspector Haley Ryan.
Ryan noted that Moller’s family was relieved to hear the news, calling it a step forward in coming to terms with their loss.
Police thanked the Stokes Valley community for their support and urged any additional witnesses to come forward.
The fires occurred on Thursday 10 October, Monday 14 October and Tuesday 5 November, all in the early hours of the morning.
Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact police on 105, referencing file number 241105/2249 and quoting Operation Sove.