Police now believe they know the identity of the man found dead with a gunshot wound in Palmerston North yesterday but formal identification has not yet taken place.
The man who is believed to be 32 years old and from Palmerston North was found dead in the grounds of a block of flats in Heretaunga Street yesterday afternoon (Friday, 4 September). He had a gunshot wound, and a firearm was found by the body.
Police have spoken extensively since yesterday to a second man following information that there had been an altercation between the pair during the afternoon at a nearby flat.
Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Sheridan said: "A focus at the moment is to build a clearer picture about that altercation and assess it relevance or otherwise to death. We are also looking to get a better understanding of the relationship between the two men. These enquiries are likely to take some days."
In the meantime the scene remains cordoned off and an examination by ESR from Auckland is expected to last at least two days. A gun specialist from Auckland will also be at the scene.
It is hoped that the man's body will be removed from the scene later today at which point a formal identification will be carried out. A post mortem will be held in Wellington tomorrow (Sunday, 6 September).
Area enquiries continue particularly with other residents in Heretaunga Street. Those residents who stayed elsewhere overnight are likely to be able to return home later today.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 06 351 2546 or 027 234 8256.