Steven Mannie Tepu

Steven Tepu's middle name was Mannie, like his surrogate granddad, and he loved to ride on his surrogate grandmother Nora's scooter, standing in between her knees as they drove to the corner and back. He was aged 3 years old when he died on June 26, 1992 in Masterton as a result of head injuries. Steven was killed by his relative, Raymond Ratima.

Seven family members were laid out for a tangi at Te Ore Ore marae after they were massacred by Raymond Wahia Ratima at their Masterton home on 26 June 1992.

Ratima, who is considered one of New Zealand's worst killers, killed seven members of his extended family, including his three young sons, using a hammer and knives. He arrived at 43 Judds Road about 9.15pm and let himself in with the back door key he'd nicked when he was booted out. He waited until 10pm to begin his killing spree.

Ratima murdered his sister-in-law Nicola Ferguson (20), her partner Bevan Tepu (21), their child Stephen (3), Ms Ferguson's brother Phillip Ferguson Jnr (14), and his own sons Piripi (7), Barney (5) and Stacey (2). He also killed the Nicola and Bevan’s unborn baby, deliberately stabbing Nicola in the belly.

Ratima pleaded guilty to the murders and was sentenced to life imprisonment

See also:

• Faces of Innocents: The Ratima massacre - remembering the children of Judds Rd
• Raymond Ratima denied parole
• Ratima: 'I'm not ready for freedom'