The two people involved in last night's shooting near an Invercargill Four Square supermarket were mother and son, according to reports.
A 50-year-old woman remains in critical condition in Dunedin Hospital with a single gunshot wound. Last night, police launched a manhunt for the shooter before finding him dead six hours later inside a home.
Today social media reports have linked the pair as mother and son.
The unconfirmed reports say the 29-year-old shot his mother before turning the gun on himself.
Police refused to confirm the exact connection between the couple or how the man died, but had earlier confirmed the two were related.
They said the dead man was suspected to have suffered a self-inflicted injury.
The home on Otatara Rd where the body was found was under police guard overnight.
Police said they were not looking for anyone else in relation to the shooting.
The injured woman was taken to Southland Hospital in a critical condition before she was transferred to Dunedin Hospital.
Southland area commander Inspector Joel Lamb thanked the community for their patience and understanding."A number of cordons were put in place to ensure the public were kept safe.
"I appreciate the cooperation from local residents," said Lamb.
Last night the Otatara community went into lockdown as police hunted for the gunman.
Cordons were in place in the area and earlier four police cars including a dog unit were at the corner of Dunns Rd and Otatara Rd, a little over 1km east of the Four Square.
Residents were warned to secure their properties.
Otatara Rd heading north from Dunns Rd was blocked. A staff member at a nearby business said she had locked the doors after hearing a woman had been shot.
Ambulance staff called police shortly after 6.30pm.
offender, and determine exactly what happened, police said.There was not believed to be any danger to the public, however police asked residents in the area to ensure their properties were secure.
A Southland Hospital spokeswoman confirmed an injured woman had been brought in for treatment. St John referred the Herald to police.
Supermarket worker Clayton Gerrard said armed police arrived at the store looking for a female victim.
Police told workers to go inside and lock the premises.
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