The three bodies found in a Feilding farmhouse were removed last night as detectives try to piece together how the apparent murder-suicide played out.
Police have refused to confirm the identities of the middle-aged couple and elderly man found at the Lees Rd property on Monday morning, but spokeswoman Kim
Perks said they hoped to be able to do so today.
It is believed they are former technician Desmond Winnie, his wife Deborah Honeyfield, a registered nurse for MidCentral Health, and her father.
Ms Perks said the bodies will be formally identified today before post-mortem examinations take place.
Yesterday several newspapers and circulars remained in the couple's mailbox across the road from the hillside house where it is believed the bodies lay for days before a visitor alerted police.
Neighbours have reported hearing gunfire last week and one saw a strange car driving up the road.
"I remembered I did hear gunshots but there are always guns going off around here so you don't think anything of it," said neighbour Judy Plimmer. She had also seen a mustard-coloured vehicle with a "sloping back like an old Charger" driving past last week. Another resident, also heard shots.
Ms Perks refused to say whether a firearm had been located at the property or comment on how the bodies were found.
Forensics were yesterday combing the property while a uniformed officer stood on guard by the road alongside a caged pet black cat waiting to be picked up by animal control.
A sister of Mr Winnie, Lynda Winnie, planned to view the body yesterday.
She was shocked to learn on Monday night that her brother might be a victim and was upset with police for not contacting her. Ms Winnie was not aware her brother had moved to the Lees Rd house, as she had not spoken to him for several years.
A relative of Ms Honeyfield said yesterday police had been in touch with the family, but refused to comment further.
Senior Sergeant Nigel Allan, officer in charge of Feilding Police, said police resources had been under "significant demands" of late.
"Statistically speaking the events of the last few weeks are something which I doubt any long-term residents of Feilding have seen before, and I doubt they will see again," he said.
Meanwhile, residents are rallying after a horror run of tragedy in the area. A hui will be held at the town's clocktower on Friday, attended by local MP and Justice Minister Simon Power, Mayor Ian McKelvie and police.
The discovery of the three bodies came after the widow of murdered dairy farmer Scott Guy publicly pleaded for his killer to come forward last week.
Photo / NZ Herald
The three bodies found in a Feilding farmhouse were removed last night as detectives try to piece together how the apparent murder-suicide played out.
Police have refused to confirm the identities of the middle-aged couple and elderly man found at the Lees Rd property on Monday morning, but spokeswoman Kim
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