Nelson Man Shot Dead

At around 6pm Saturday 14 November 2009 there was a confrontation between two
groups of youths at Branford Park, near Nelson city.

A shotgun was produced and discharged, resulting in the death of a 22 year
old Nelson man.

The offender and his 3 associates left the area in a white single cab ute
with a canopy and to date have not been located.

Investigation head, Detective Inspector John Winter, said the identity of the
deceased was known, and his family were currently trying to contact other
relatives.

Detective Inspector Winter said it was unknown at this stage how the two
groups came together, or the reasons behind the confrontation. It appeared a
baseball bat had also been used in the fight, and one associate of the
deceased had suffered moderate head injuries. He was currently being treated
at Nelson Hospital. The victim's friends were badly traumatised by the
incident.

Detective Inspector Winter said the identity of the offenders was known, and
he urged the group to make contact with police at the earliest opportunity.
He believed they were still in possession of the shotgun, which made them a
high risk for police and the community at large.

The body of the victim will remain in situ overnight. The Coroner has been
advised, and ESR support staff will arrive in Nelson tomorrow to assist with
the scene examination.
ends

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