Attribute to Detective Senior Sergeant Kim Libby, Waitemata CIB:
Police are now in a position to confirm the name of the man who died in hospital following an incident at a Te Atatu address on the weekend.
He was Jason Murray, 36, from Te Atatu.
Our sympathies are with his family at this time.
A post mortem is taking place today and his death has been referred to the Coroner.
Detective Senior Sergeant Kim Libby says enquiries are ongoing into this incident.
“As we have previously stated, Police believe Mr Murray and a second person were attempting to break into a van at a Te Atatu address before an altercation took place between himself and the owner of the van.
“The second individual fled the scene and we are still trying to locate them. We urge them to come forward and speak with us.
“As a result of our enquiries up to this point, we believe that Mr Murray has died as a result of injuries sustained during this altercation.
“This is a tragic outcome and Mr Murray’s family has been provided with support.
“The van owner has been fully cooperative with Police and we have spoken with him as part of our investigation, while we have also spoken with a number of witnesses.
“Enquiries to date lead Police to believe that his actions were in self-defence. He is understandably distraught and we are ensuring that he is provided with support and welfare at this time.”
The investigation is ongoing and Police ask anyone with information about this incident or the second person who fled the scene to contact Waitemata Crime Squad on 09 839 0697 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
Nick Baker/NZ Police