Shot dead: Police release new details into South Auckland double homicide
Police are continuing to piece together what led to two people being found dead on a South Auckland street yesterday, as new details emerge this afternoon.
Emergency services were called to a Gambare Pl house at about 1.45pm yesterday after a report of a person armed with a handgun at the property and a woman injured.
“Upon police arrival, she was pronounced dead at the scene,” a police statement says this afternoon.
“Police then conducted a search of the property and located a man who was also pronounced deceased.”
Detective Inspector Tofilau Faamanuia Va’aelua of Counties Manukau CIB said police can now confirm both people had sustained fatal gunshot wounds.
A forensic scene examination has commenced at the address today.
“I can confirm we are speaking with a 30-year-old man who is currently in custody for an unrelated offence. We are working to determine whether this man is involved.
“That determination relies on the outcome of our enquiries, which we’re prioritising with urgency,” he says.
“We are maintaining an open mind, hence why no charges have been laid at this stage.
“Alongside this, post-mortems for the two victims are underway today.”
Va’aelua says police are asking anyone who may have any information that could help them to come forward.
“We would encourage anyone who may have seen anything in the area to contact us,” he says.
“We know this will be an unsettling time for those in our community, that such a violent incident has taken place.
“I want to reassure people we are working hard to hold people to account.”
An increased police presence will remain in the area as they continue to make enquiries.
Information can be reported online at 105.police.govt.nz, and clicking “Update Report”, or by calling 105.
Please use the reference number 260827/1324 and quote Operation Bealey.
Anonymous reports can also be made through Crime Stoppers, by calling 0800 555 111.
The alleged offender fled before officers arrived, Va’aelua earlier said.
This morning, the police helicopter could be heard over nearbyManurewa.
Armed police were outside the Gambare Pl property.
Armed police outside a Gambare Place home after two people were found dead yesterday.
The home’s driveway was cordoned off.
Yesterday evening, a distressed group arrived as police continued their examination.
A woman screamed: “My daughter, my daughter” before others gathered to console her.
The group was seen crying and speaking with officers.
Va’aelua said autopsies will take place, including formal identification procedures.
Residents could expect an increased police presence, he said.
Photos from the scene yesterday show a body on Volante Ave being removed and placed into a van as police officers hold up a white sheet.
The group arriving at the scene. Photo / NZME
An officer was later seen holding a bag with what appeared to be clothes and belongings.
Police confirmed the body was not a third death and was connected to the Gambare Pl incident after one of the bodies was removed from the scene.
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