A 54-year-old man died in hospital after what police say was a violent incident in a room at Ascot Motel in Epsom.
Motel owner Owner Anuj Gupta said the man checked in shortly after 8am with two younger men he told staff were "his nephews".
An hour later he walked into reception with blood coming from a head wound and asked for help.
"We were under the impression that the people he was with - he was calling them nephews - we thought it was family."
Motel staff thought the man's injuries were from an accident and did not realise they were life-threatening.
Gupta said they were shocked to learn he had died and the room was now a crime scene. "It's one of the worst days of my life today," he said. "It's terrible, especially during Christmas time. You expect people to come and be with family and have a good holiday."
The man had stayed at the motel before and had never given any cause for concern. "He just came like a normal customer, like me or you would check into a place when you need accommodation.
"He was driving an alright car, behaving alright, had stayed with us in the past - there was no reason to believe he was under any distress or anything."
The motel remained open yesterday. Police told Gupta the crime scene was confined to the room, but several guests had decided to leave anyway.
Police have released images of the men suspected of being involved in the attack.
A police forensic team was still examining and photographing the room late yesterday.
The men police are searching for were seen leaving the area shortly before the victim was found.
Police also want to hear of any sightings of a dark blue Range Rover in the area between 8am and midday.
Detective Senior Sergeant Andrew Fabish said it was clear a violent incident had taken place. Anyone with information should call police on 09 302 6400 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Meanwhile, a man died after a disorder incident at a house in Manurewa last night. Emergency services were called shortly before 8pm and but could not resuscitate the man.
Police were talking to those in the house at the time.
- Herald on Sunday
