Father and Son Identified as Victims of Auckland House Fire

The identities of a father and son who died in a suspicious house fire in Auckland have been confirmed by police. The tragic incident occurred at a residence on Murvale Drive, Bucklands Beach, early on October 2, 2023, at approximately 02:30. Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene, but unfortunately, both Jung Sup Lee, aged 36, and his 11-year-old son, Ha-il Lee, perished as a result of the fire.

Authorities are treating this case as a double homicide. Detective Inspector Tofilau Faamanuia Va’aelua announced that the investigation is progressing, and they are keen to gather more information from the public. “Someone is responsible for the death of this father and son,” he stated, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.

Police are requesting that residents in Bucklands Beach and surrounding areas, including Howick, Sunnyhills, Mellons Bay, Botany Downs, and Highland Park, review any CCTV footage captured between 22:00 on October 1 and 05:00 on October 2. They are also seeking any dash cam or Go Pro footage from those hours to aid in their investigation.

Va’aelua noted, “No detail is too small, or irrelevant.” The police are determined to provide answers to the grieving family and are urging anyone with relevant information to come forward.

In an earlier update, authorities confirmed that two additional victims were hospitalized following the fire but have since been discharged. The police are treating the emotional impact of the incident seriously. Va’aelua mentioned, “It is an extremely traumatic time for the family involved. We are determined to provide them with answers and bring this to a close so they can try and move forward with their lives.”

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the police online or by calling 105 and referencing case number 251002/9501. Information can also be reported anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 0800 555 111. The community’s cooperation is crucial in resolving this devastating case.