Hamilton homicide: Police name Lake Cres victim as Jason Poa

Police investigating a homicide in Hamilton have released the name of the person who died.

Emergency services were called to a Lake Cres address about 6.15pm on Thursday night.

A man died at the scene, and another person was taken to Waikato Hospital in serious condition.

Detective Inspector Daryl Smith said the victim was 55-year-old Jason Poa, also known as Jason Tipene.

Smith said they are appealing for any sightings of a Subaru Impreza hatchback, registration KZH714.

Examinations underway after a person was shot dead in Hamilton. Photo / Mike Scott

On Friday, forensic experts and armed police were stationed on the street with at least one home taped off. The nearby toilet block was also taped off, with an officer standing guard outside.

“We have officers working at the Lake Cres address, and also at a second location of interest, several hundred metres away – the toilet block at the yacht club," Smith said.

A police guard at the toilet block at Innes Common domain in relation to the Lake Cres shooting. Photo / Mike Scott

Residents living near the cordon were shocked to find their normally quiet, friendly neighbourhood now the focus of a major police operation after a suspicious death.

A resident living close to the cordon said he spoke to an officer last night who told him gunshots had been heard just “short” of his house.

He said usually the street was “very quiet”, and police “very rarely” were there.

“I don’t have many problems around here, [just] an occasional burglary ... but [it’s] not an area that has too many problems really.”

If you have seen the Subaru or have information please report online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update Report”, or call 105.

Please use the reference number 251218/5897.

Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers by calling 0800 555 111.