Elderly double shooting: Chilling words to police


The suspected gunman in a double shooting in Christchurch told police he had used a firearm and was about to turn it on himself. 

Police have revealed more detail about the deaths of two elderly people today at a property on Wairakei Rd in Burnside. 

Canterbury district commander Superintendent John Price said police received a phone call at 4.05am from an elderly man living at the house.

He told police he had used a firearm and was intending on doing self-harm.

Superintendent Price said there was no further conversation after this, but the phone call continued and a loud noise was heard in the background.

A police negotiation team and armed offenders squad were at the property.

When police entered the house they found an elderly man, in his 80s, and and a women in her late 70s dead on a bed. There were four firearms and about 100 bullets at the scene, Supt Price said.

A homicide investigation has begun with 12 investigators on the case.

Superintendent John Price addressed media in the death of two elderly people in Burnside.
Superintendent John Price addressed media in the death of two elderly people in Burnside.
Police were not seeking anyone further in relation to the incident.

"This is an absolute tragedy. It is a reminder to us all we need to care for each other, care for our neighbours, and care for our wider community," Supt Price said.

Police were notifying next of kin.

Supt Price said police understood there has been regular medical assistance at the address. 

A section of the road outside the property was cordoned off earlier on Monday morning. A blue tarpaulin covered the front gate.

Wairakei Rd resident Gary Fahey woke at 4am to the sound of police yelling through what he thought was a megaphone.

"They were yelling it's police, turn on your lights and come outside, your house is surrounded by the armed offenders squad."

He then saw the street had been blocked off by police vehicles.

About 25 minutes later, he heard two sounds ring out which he thought may have been gunshots or tear gas.

Mr Fahey, who is temporarily living in the road, said he understood the older couple at the home had been living there "for years."

A neighbour, who said he knew the couple well, never had any issues with them. He heard police yelling "come out of the house" very loudly this morning.

He said a woman who lived in the house has been unwell for quite some time.

A neighbour with young children was told by police about 5am on Monday to "stay inside."

"I am shocked and surprised something like this would happen to this family."

The woman said the couple often had family visiting.

About 5.30am another neighbour woke up to the sound of glass breaking and dogs barking. She said she heard two sounds, like gunshots.

Where to get help

If you are worried about your or someone else's mental health, the best place to get help is your GP or local mental health provider. However, if you or someone else is in danger or endangering others, call police immediately on 111.

OR IF YOU NEED TO TALK TO SOMEONE ELSE:

• LIFELINE: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7)
• SUICIDE CRISIS HELPLINE: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)
• YOUTHLINE: 0800 376 633
• NEED TO TALK? Free call or text 1737 (available 24/7)
• KIDSLINE: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7)
• WHATSUP: 0800 942 8787 (1pm to 11pm)
• DEPRESSION HELPLINE: 0800 111 757

 

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