Mother Pleads Guilty to Manslaughter as Partner is Convicted of Toddler’s Murder
In a tragic case that has shocked the community, a mother has pleaded guilty to manslaughter while her partner has been convicted of murder in relation to the death of their 2-year-old daughter, Arapera Fia. The mother, Nikitalove Brampton Tekotia, aged 23, was the primary caregiver for Arapera, and she admitted to failing to protect her from harm. Her partner, Tyson Brown, was found guilty of murder. The incident occurred in November 2021 at a property in Manurewa, south Auckland, where Arapera was found with critical injuries and later passed away at Starship Children’s Hospital.
During the trial, Tekotia gave evidence for the Crown against Brown before pleading guilty to manslaughter on the eve of her trial. However, she sought to keep her name a secret, a request which was declined by Justice David Johnstone, who ordered for her name to be made public. Tekotia’s sentencing is set to take place later this year.
The relationship between Tekotia and Arapera’s father, Malcolm Fia, came to an end in February 2021, and she began seeing Brown. Leading up to Arapera’s tragic death, Tekotia had started to withdraw from her family, and tensions escalated during the Covid-19 lockdown. Concerns were raised by flatmates who noticed bruises on Arapera and heard Brown yelling and the toddler crying. These concerns were brought to the attention of Arapera’s father and other relatives.
Disturbingly, Tekotia and Brown even recorded videos of Arapera with visible bruises, showing her distressed state. The searches they conducted together on the internet, including how to wake someone from a deep sleep and how to wake up someone who has been knocked out, have raised further questions about the events leading to Arapera’s death.
Following Arapera’s passing, Tekotia and Brown were checked into a managed isolation facility, where Brown admitted to shaking Arapera during an emotional phone call with Tekotia. The intercepted phone calls and messages between the couple played in court unveiled the heartbreaking and remorseful conversations they had.
Arapera’s father, Malcolm Fia, expressed his grief and spoke of the pain he experienced when dressing his daughter for her funeral. He emphasized the need for others in abusive and unhealthy environments to seek help, hoping that his daughter’s tragic death would serve as a wake-up call.
The case reignites discussions about child safety, the significance of recognizing warning signs, and the vital role of early intervention and support for families in need. As the community mourns the loss of Arapera, it is essential to reflect on ways to prevent similar tragedies and create a safer environment for vulnerable children. The sentencing of Tekotia and Brown later this year will provide some closure, but the impact of this devastating event will be felt for a lifetime.
