Counties Manukau Police are treating the deaths of the man and woman located at 366 Ponga Road as Homicide.
A preliminary analysis of the scene indicates that there was a third person or persons involved.
Police are unable to formally release the names of the deceased until formal identification procedures have been undertaken after post-mortem examinations that will take place tomorrow.
It is believed however that the man is 51 year old Trevor Waite who resided at the property. The woman is believed to be 47 year old Glenys Stanton of Mt Eden.
Families of both are understandably shocked and upset by the tragic events. The two deceased were known to each other but Police are working with family and associates of the two victims to try and establish the nature and duration of their relationship.
Mr Waite has two teenage daughters and a teenage son to a previous relationship. Ms Stanton has two daughters.
Police are working to establish timeframes of interest to the investigation but at this stage are seeking assistance from the public in regard to the following:
- Sightings of any people or vehicles in the area of Ponga Road/Coalmine Road from Friday afternoon until Sunday morning
- Any people who know of or have any information about either of the deceased
There is no indication that either of the deceased were involved in any illegal activity and there is no evidence of any illegal activity associated to the address.
There is no indication from the scene that burglary was a motive. Aside from this Police will not speculate on the motive behind this crime however there are indications that this was not a random event and that the offender(s) was known to one or both of the victims.
A weapon has not been located at the scene and Police are also interested in hearing from anyone who has recently found or sold/lent a firearm to anyone in circumstances that may have aroused suspicion.
Information can be given in confidence to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or the Counties Manukau Police on 09 261 1300.
ENDS
Dave Lynch
Detective Inspector
District Manager; Criminal Investigations
Counties Manukau Police
Issued by Kimberley Mathews / Communications Manager, Counties Manukau Police
0274 342 218