Opaheke Homicide

Wed, 28/08/2013 - 6:15am

MEDIA STATEMENT
28 August 2013

Opaheke Homicide Investigation Update

On Tuesday 27 August 2013 Police commenced enquires with known acquaintances of Trevor Waite and Glenys Stanton as part of the investigation into their Murders.

These enquiries included attempting to speak to a male who had been identified as being in a recent relationship with Ms Stanton.

Police were unable to locate this male during the day however later that evening were contacted by a friend of the male who had concerns for his wellbeing. The friend also advised Police that male was in possession of a firearm.

Police located a vehicle belonging to the male parked in a remote area in the Woodhill Forest in West Auckland.

Specialist Police teams were dispatched to the scene to locate and assist the male.
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Before Police could speak to the man he shot himself and was killed instantly. No Police officers fired any shots during the incident.

The name of the male will not be released until formal identification procedures have been completed. His next of kin have been informed and are being assisted by victim support.

The circumstances of this man's death will be subject to a full investigation and Coroner's Inquest and Police cannot make any further comment about the circumstances leading up to his death. The IPCA will also be notified as standard practice.

Detective Inspector Dave Lynch says that this is a significant development in the homicide investigation. Obvious inferences will be made as to his involvement in the murders but Police still have a significant amount of work to do to establish the facts surrounding the three deaths.

'It will be some time before forensic results are received and a large number of interviews are completed'.

Police thank the public for the response to the investigation thus far but are still seeking assistance from the public in regard to the following;

1. Sightings of any persons or vehicles in the area of Ponga Road/Coalmine Road from Friday afternoon until Sunday morning
2. Any sightings of a 2010 model Ford FALCON FG FPV F6 Saloon coloured black in the Ponga Road/Opeheke Area in recent weeks
3. Any people who know of or have any information about the male who died in Woodhill forest yesterday evening.

Information can be given in confidence to Crime-stoppers on 0800 555 111 or the Counties-Manukau Police on 09 261 1300

Dave Lynch
Detective Inspector
District Manager; Criminal Investigations
Counties-Manukau Police

ENDS

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