A murder inquiry has been launched after the shooting death of Pahiatua man James Whatuira, 49, whose body was found in a Woodville home on Sunday.
A murder inquiry has been launched after the shooting death of Pahiatua man James Whatuira, 49, whose body was found in a Woodville home on Sunday.
Police have formally identified the man found dead at a house in Woodville as 49-year-old James Whatuira of Pahiatua.
Police launched a homicide investigation after finding Mr Whatuira's body at a property in Ormond St on January 4. Detective Senior Sergeant Simon Harrison said a post mortem conducted yesterday revealedMr Whatuira sustained a single fatal gunshot wound.
"While the post mortem has added that extra piece to the puzzle of what occurred at the address, we still have much work to do in an effort to identify and locate whoever is responsible for Mr Whatuira's death."
For investigative reasons police said they will not be commenting any further on the nature of the injury at this stage. Police have confirmed Mr Whatuira did not live at the Ormond St property.
Inquiries into the whereabouts of the weapon were continuing, Mr Harrison said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Constable Claire Adkins on (06) 210 2201. Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
