Key Takeaways:
- A shooting at Waitārere Beach has left three people critically injured and a man, identified as 60-year-old Benjamin Harry Timmins, dead.
- Police are in the early stages of their investigation and have yet to speak to the injured survivors.
- A dismantled gun, parts, and ammo were seized from the property a few hours before the shooting.
- The incident occurred after police responded to a family harm-related incident at the same property on January 9, where Timmins was arrested and charged with assault.
- The survivors, a 46-year-old woman and two males aged 17 and 21, remain critically wounded in Wellington Hospital.
Introduction to the Incident
The police investigation into the shooting at Waitārere Beach is ongoing, with authorities still trying to piece together the events that led to the tragic incident. On January 14, a man was found dead, and three others were critically injured with gunshot wounds. The deceased has been identified as 60-year-old Benjamin Harry Timmins. Inspector Ross Grantham stated that the police are aware of comments made by Timmins’ relatives but would not be responding to each of these claims at this time. The police are prioritizing their investigation and ensuring that the families and loved ones of those involved receive the answers they need and deserve.
The Police Investigation
The police investigation is still in its early stages, with a scene examination ongoing and a post-mortem on the deceased yet to take place. The police have seized a dismantled gun, parts, and ammo from the property, which will form part of their inquiries. The officers who responded to the earlier call to the property did everything correctly and appropriately, based on the information they had at the time. The police are committed to providing as much information as quickly as they can, but they need time and space to conduct a robust and thorough investigation. Inspector Grantham emphasized that the police are doing everything they can to support the families and loved ones of those involved, including providing counseling and other resources.
The Events Leading Up to the Shooting
The incident occurred after police responded to a family harm-related incident at the same property on January 9, where Timmins was arrested and charged with assault on a person in a family relationship. Timmins was due to appear in court on the day of the fatal shooting. The police had also seized a dismantled gun, parts, and ammo from the property a few hours before the shooting. The police are still trying to determine how and why the tragic incident occurred, and the information gathered in the earlier visit to the address will form part of their inquiries. The police are reviewing their response to the earlier call and are confident that their officers did everything correctly and appropriately, based on the information they had at the time.
The Victims and Their Families
The survivors, a 46-year-old woman and two males aged 17 and 21, remain critically wounded in Wellington Hospital. A young girl at the scene is being cared for by family. The police are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident. Timmins’ sister has paid tribute to her brother on Facebook, describing him as her rock, friend, and protector. She said it was with the "heaviest of broken hearts" that she was sharing the news of his death. The family is still trying to come to terms with the loss of their loved one, and the police are doing everything they can to support them.
The Police Response and Next Steps
The police response to the incident has been praised, with Inspector Grantham commending the officers who responded to the scene. The quick response by police likely saved the three victims’ lives. The police will continue to have a presence in the area for the time being, and a scene examination will continue for the next few days. The police are urging anyone with information to come forward and are committed to providing updates on the investigation as more information becomes available. The incident is a reminder of the importance of reporting any concerns or suspicious activity to the police, and the police are encouraging the public to do so.
Conclusion and Support for Those Affected
The shooting at Waitārere Beach is a tragic incident that has left many people affected. The police are doing everything they can to support the families and loved ones of those involved, including providing counseling and other resources. The incident is a reminder of the importance of prioritizing the safety and well-being of all individuals, particularly in situations where there may be a risk of harm. The police are committed to conducting a thorough and robust investigation and to providing updates on the investigation as more information becomes available. The community is coming together to support those affected, and the police are grateful for the public’s cooperation and understanding during this difficult time.