Officers at the scene of Wednesday's shootings in Waitārere Beach, Horowhenua. Photo / Mark Mitchell
Officers at the scene of Wednesday's shootings in Waitārere Beach, Horowhenua. Photo / Mark Mitchell
The young girl who made a silent 111 call alerting authorities to a shooting in Waitārere Beach this week is said to be “incredibly traumatised”.
Police have asked the public for “time and space” to carry out their investigations after the grisly discovery near the Horowhenua township in the earlyhours of Wednesday.
The dead man has been identified as 60-year-old Benjamin Timmins. The woman, who remained in a critical condition in hospital yesterday, has been identified as his partner.
Neighbours lead horses off the property on Waitārere Beach Rd after the shootings. Photo / Mike Scott
Manawatū Area Commander Ross Grantham said this morning that police were dealing with an incredibly tragic situation and acknowledged that many people were looking for answers.
“It is important to remember alongside that, however, that we still have three people critically injured and fighting for their lives in hospital.
“And we have a young girl who, while uninjured, is incredibly traumatised by what has occurred.
“No child should ever have to experience what this young girl did that night.”
The deceased man is understood to be 60-year-old former soldier Benjamin Timmins. Photo / Mark Mitchell, Supplied
“We know there is a significant level of public interest in this matter, and we are committed to providing as much information as quickly as we can.
“However, it’s also imperative that our investigation team is given the time and space they need to conduct a robust and thorough investigation so that we can provide the families and loved ones of those involved with the answers they need and deserve.”
A scene examination is still underway at the Waitārere Beach Rd property. No autopsy had yet been carried out on Timmins’ body, police said.
“Officers are also yet to interview the three critically injured people, who are currently unable to speak to police.”
The appeal from authorities comes after it was revealed that Timmins was due to appear in the Levin District Court on the same day he was found dead at his home.
Court documents show he had been arrested and charged for the assault of two people last week, on Friday.
The documents say one of those he assaulted was his partner. A second person is also identified as having been assaulted. That person is listed as being in a family relationship with Timmins also.
The charges against Timmins have since been dismissed.
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