Northland police launch homicide investigation after alleged fatal stabbing

Police have arrested and charged a 50-year-old man after a young father was allegedly stabbed in the neck at a block of flats in central Whangārei.

Emergency services were called to the flats on Anzac Rd in Morningside at around 5.30pm yesterday where a man, named by family as Jason Mcnae, was found with a stab wound. Whānau announced later that evening that he had died.

Detective Inspector Bridget Doell, of Northland CIB, said the offender had fled the scene before police arrived.

However, officers located the man this morning and took him into custody without incident. Police confirmed the man and Mcnae were known to each other.

The 50-year-old appeared in the Whangārei District Court this afternoon charged with murder and threatening to kill.

He made no plea or bail application and was remanded in custody to reappear in the High Court at Whangārei on July 7.

The man was granted interim name suppression as his lawyer Douglas Blaikie said he has yet to get full instructions from him.

During his appearance, he appeared calm and stood with his head bowed.

Doell said police were not looking for anyone else in relation to the homicide.

She added that a number of inquiries were yet to be completed and the community can expect to see a continued police presence in the area.

Earlier today, Doell said whānau were understandably distraught at what had taken place, and police were ensuring support was available to them.

A public post on a Givealittle page set up overnight said Mcnae had been “tragically killed”, leaving his loved ones devastated.

“On behalf of the whānau, we cannot express how heartbroken and in shock we all are in this tragic time ... Your support and your aroha will be deeply appreciated.”

Whānau thanked people for their kind words and prayers, and asked for privacy as they grieved.

A friend of Mcnae’s described him as a “darling” dad devoted to his young children as they spoke of how much he would be missed.

Doell was proud of the swift action police had taken overnight.

”While at the centre of this investigation is a tragic incident, we are pleased to have been able to bring a quick resolution to the victim’s grieving whānau.”

Previously, she acknowledged concern among the community, especially given the recent homicide investigations launched.

Mcnae’s death comes as Northlanders still come to terms with several high-profile homicides, including Shayden Perkinson who was allegedly stabbed to death at the Raumanga Gull Service Station; the two children killed in Ruakākā; and Linda Woods, who died during a home invasion in Kaikohe.

”We hope this also brings reassurance to the community who will be concerned today,” Doell said.

Several officers were seen before sunrise today outside the block of flats using torches to carry out a scene examination that began yesterday.

A forensics trailer was parked at the top of a steep driveway at the entrance to the flats. Police tape had cordoned off a section of the yard that overlooks neighbouring Tawera Rd.

Doell confirmed a scene guard had been in place overnight.

A post-mortem was due to be completed today.

Doell said police were unable to comment further as the matter was now before the court.