A mother is suspected of murdering her two kids and then committing suicide in a car crash about a month after the suicide of her husband.
Tiny Tibble along with her daughter Ana-Roimata Rangihuna and her son Ashton-Lee Rangihuna passed away on November 16 after their car crashed into a tree.
The fatal crash occurred weeks after the 43-year-old’s husband, Lance Rangihuna passed away in what police officers also believe to be a suicide, crashing his car into the same tree.
A spokesman for the local coroner in Te Araroa, New Zealand, stated the family deaths were being investigated as self-inflicted, according to reports from Daily Mail Australia.
It was previously reported that Lance Rangihuna was under investigation for a historic s3x charge at the time of his death.
Speaking to Stuff, Tiny Tibble’s greiving brother revealed that she had left a note instructing her family to cremate their remains and leave them with Lance Rangihuna.
The brother said that she had resided with him in the weeks before her death and nothing seemed out of the ordinary.
A police spokesman said it was a uniquely challenging case.
They said: “This involves examining a range of possible contributing factors including environmental … and the people involved through avenues like witness and family statements.
“Police findings help advise the coroner, who will make ultimate determination on cause of death for all involved.
“Police acknowledge the significant impact these deaths have had on the local community.”
Family members and friends in the small rural community have been left stunned by the deaths.
Hamiora Huriwai, Lance Rangihuna’s cousin said the family had been doing well in the lead up to the suspected suicide.
He told the outlet: “They were strong, they got on with life, they were going to keep going… We had a barbecue together after the death with her kids. They were all fine – big smiles, happy.
“We had lambs’ tails, gave hugs like we normally do – it was all good.”
Speaking about the children, Hamiora Huriwai also said: “’It’s really tragic because they still hadn’t lived their own lives. Everyone is taking it hard. We’re all grieving.”
