The name of an Auckland father who murdered his own baby can now be revealed: Vaila Sopo, 26, from Manurewa, killed his 8-month-old Falute Vaila two years ago.
The baby was taken to a South Auckland medical clinic on 23 May, 2022, where she died after Sopo beat her.
On April 30, Sopo was sentenced to 17 years imprisonment for murder at the Auckland High Court.
He was also sentenced for a charge of child assault.
"Any investigation into the death of a child in suspicious circumstances is challenging and confronting," Detective Inspector Warrick Adkin, of Counties Manukau CIB said.
"I would like to acknowledge the Operation Corman investigation team who worked professionally to piece together the treatment that Falute suffered.
"No conviction will bring back an innocent life lost, but the man responsible has been held to account.
"This is yet another tragic reminder to us all about being aware of the signs a child is suffering from abuse.
"We all have a responsibility to look out for our youngest and most vulnerable members of society."
Adkin added: "It is important children who are being abused do not become invisible and those close to them become their voice by reporting the abuse."
