Cause of trio's deaths may not be known for weeks

Photo / Hawke's Bay Today

The cause of the deaths of a mother and her two children may not be known for weeks, police said this morning.

The post-mortem examinations of Haumoana mother Melissa Dorward, Keira Watson, 4, and Ellah Watson, 2, are under way and police are waiting for toxicology and forensic reports.

Detective Senior Sergeant Dave de Lange said the results could take weeks.

"We have been working closely with the Coroner and pathologist. It may be some time before a preliminary cause of death is established.

"In this situation, police are not in a position to release any details relating to the cause of death until all the facts have been clearly established, and the results of all tests are known," Mr De Lange said.

He said police were aware of rumour and speculation circulating in the small Hastings community.

"There are several different scenarios that have been suggested regarding what has occurred. Obviously all can't be correct and this speculation is not helpful or fair on the families of Melissa, Keira and Ellah," Mr De Lange said.

He said police are not looking for anyone else in connection with the deaths.

It is understood Ms Dorward's partner and two sons, who were older than the girls, were away from the house at the time the bodies were discovered.

The family had just moved into the Rockwood Place home.

They were known to the community because their previous home was in the nearby settlement of Te Awanga.

A Rockwood Place resident said Ms Dorward had moved into the cul-de-sac on the morning that she and her daughters were found dead.

The neighbour said she had seen a car parked in front of the property on Friday, when Ms Dorward was shifting belongings into the house.

The Hawke's Bay Today reported that Ms Dorward was pregnant and that her partner and the couple's sons - who attend Haumoana Primary School - were away from the house when the bodies were discovered.

It is understood Keira and Ellah attended the local kindergarten.

A person who knew the family posted a blog on Trade Me, saying: "They have lived in the area for more than six years. They are well known in the school community and kindergarten, so it is going to affect a lot more than family and close friends.

"My heart also goes out to the fact that we have to tell our children that their best friend won't be at kindy/school when they go back, a hurt that you never want to put to your children."

Shop owners and their staff have become the centrepoint for locals to share their grief.

"It's devastating for a small community. Most people know most people around here," said one shop staffer.

Haumoana principal Marty Hantz said he had been on the phone to the Ministry of Education to see what help could be offered.

School staff would want to make sure Ms Dorward's boys were well looked after in the new term.

A team of Victim Support counsellors had been to talk to the family on Sunday and yesterday.

The school would offer similar help, if needed, Mr Hantz said.

"It's a tragedy that's going to be far reaching for many people."

He had received calls from people in the Haumoana community, some wanting to "let loose" over the tragedy.

"I guess that's part of my role too. Knowing this community, there will be a high level of support for a long period of time."

- NZHERALD STAFF, HAWKE'S BAY TODAY