Key Takeaways
- A shooting incident at Waitārere Beach has left one man dead and three others critically wounded
- Police attended a first callout to the property hours earlier, but details of the call are unclear
- The dead man has been named as Benjamin Timmins, described by his sister as her "rock" and "protector"
- The survivors are in critical condition, but police say the quick response of emergency services gave them a "fighting chance"
- The scene examination could continue into the weekend, with a heavy police presence expected in the community
Introduction to the Incident
The community of Waitārere Beach is reeling after a shooting incident that has left one man dead and three others fighting for their lives. The police are still in the process of investigating the incident, and many details are yet to be revealed. However, what is known is that the scene that met emergency services was "hideous" and that the first responders had to endure a "harrowing ordeal". The police have confirmed that they attended a first callout to the property hours earlier, but the details of this call are unclear. The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, and the police are working to piece together what happened.
The Police Response
The police response to the incident was swift, with officers arriving at the scene within eight minutes of the 111 call being made. However, it has been revealed that this was not the first call for help. Police had attended the property earlier in the night, at around 7pm, and had taken some action. The details of this earlier call are unclear, but it is known that the call was made by the older female at the address. The police are still working to understand the circumstances surrounding the earlier call and how it relates to the later incident. The police have praised the quick response of emergency services, saying that it gave the survivors a "fighting chance".
The Victims and Their Families
The dead man has been named as Benjamin Timmins, a 60-year-old who has been described by his sister as her "rock" and "protector". His sister has paid tribute to him, saying that he was a "loved friend, father, and brother" and that she will miss him dearly. The survivors, who are currently in critical condition, are being treated at Wellington Hospital. A young girl who was at the scene is being cared for by extended family, and it is believed that she may be related to Timmins. The police are still working to confirm the identities of everyone involved and to understand the relationships between them.
The Investigation
The police are continuing to investigate the incident, and the scene examination could extend into the weekend. The police are guarding the scene and there will be a heavy police presence in the community. The police are not seeking anyone else in connection with the incident, but they are still working to understand the circumstances surrounding the shooting. The police have described the incident as "terribly, terribly sad" and have acknowledged that it will have a significant impact on the community. The incident has raised questions about family harm, and the police have said that if this is indeed a case of family harm, it is at the "top end of that spectrum".
The Community Response
The community of Waitārere Beach is in shock following the incident, and the police are working to support those affected. The police have praised the community for their openness and cooperation, and have acknowledged that the incident will have a wide impact on the community. The police are urging anyone with information to come forward and are working to provide support to those affected. The incident has highlighted the importance of community support and the need for people to look out for one another. As the investigation continues, the community will be waiting with bated breath to learn more about what happened and to understand the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
