The deaths of Cris and Cru resulted in an initial serious assault investigation by the New Zealand Police before charges were upgraded to homicide. The police believe that, while the infants were in hospital prior to their deaths, the Kahui family was uncooperative with any investigation. Pita Sharples, the co-leader of the Māori Party, said the family had agreed to talk to police on 26 June, but this did not happen. Following the deaths, Sharples said he was disgusted by the Kahui family's behaviour, claiming some of them were more interested in going "to the pub and have a drink" than coming forward to police. Prime Minister Helen Clark said it was "absolutely shocking" for the family to hide behind the funeral while everyone in the country was "shocked and revolted" by the children's injuries. There were even reports that gang members were threatening the family in "utu" (or revenge) over their refusal to speak.