Three South Auckland gang members convicted for fatal shotgun attack on 75-year-old coach
A High Court jury found Ethan Jessop guilty of murder and Daziea Huia guilty of manslaughter in the 2021 shooting that killed retired coach Peter Rasmussen.
Three members of the South Auckland Crips offshoot, the 23 Blue Cartel, were found guilty of roles in the August 2021 shooting that killed 75-year-old former rugby league coach Peter Rasmussen. Ethan “Crave” Jessop was convicted of murder after firing a shotgun from a short distance, while Daziea Leslie “Aggro” Huia was convicted of manslaughter. Gang leader Lasalosi Vaitohi, who directed the attack from prison, later changed his plea to guilty and was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 17 years.
The Crown argued the motive was revenge against Rasmussen’s grandson, a rival gang member, but the elder Rasmussen was the fatal victim. The judge highlighted Vaitohi’s calculated planning and lack of concern for innocent by-standers. Sentencing remarks emphasized the need to protect the public from gang-related violence.
Why it matters
The convictions demonstrate the courts’ response to organized-gang violence and its impact on community safety.
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