Connor Jason Whitehead

At a media conference Connor's dad James Whitehead spoke on behalf of Connor's mum Cheryl Mirren, and the wider family. "We are shocked and heartbroken at the loss of Connor in such a senseless and violent manner. He was at a party with his friends. He should have been safe and he should be home with us," he said. "Connor was loved by everyone," including his brother, William, and sisters Cordelia and Emma who attended the press briefing alongside their parents. "We will always be so proud of him. He had an amazing group of friends ...it's a comfort to us that some of them were with him when he passed. Connor loved music and with his friends he was making music and had put out a song, his father said. "We are devastated we will not see him live his life and reach his potential." He had plans to go to university and study law.

Burnside High School teenager, 16-year-old Connor Whitehead, was shot dead after attending a 15th birthday party and fireworks in the northern suburb of Casebrook in Christchurch on 5 November 2021. He was standing outside with his friends when he was shot. He received first aid but died at the scene. Two men have been charged with his murder. Three others have been charged with being accessories after the fact to Whitehead's murder – allegedly helping the two suspects evade police in the hours and days after what's been called by police a "brutal, senseless" attack. Connor did not know any of the people charged in relation to his death. He was simply in the "wrong place at the wrong time".

Sources

1. Bayer, Kurt (2021, November 19). Christchurch teen Connor Whitehead's death: Wanted man understood to have unwittingly alerted police to his hideout (NZ Herald).
2. Lever, Donna-Marie (2021, November 26). Five charged in Connor Whitehead shooting plead not guilty (1News).
3. Otago Daily Times (2021, December 10). Man charged with murdering Christchurch teen Connor Whitehead named.
4. RNZ (2021, November 9). Parents of Christchurch teen Connor Whitehead speak to media following his death.