Police investigating the murder of a Palmerston North man, Hori Gage, on Sunday 6 August are again urging those with information to come forward.
We are now able to report that alongside Mr Gage’s young children, his partner, Amythyst, was also present in the vehicle when he was shot and killed.
Amethyst and her 11-year-old son attempted to defend Mr Gage during the incident, and had a firearm aimed at them while the offender escaped in a Nissan teana with the registration HLQ924.
Police know this vehicle travelled in convoy with two other vehicles before it was set on fire on Aranui Road and burnt out.
Those two vehicles, a Silver SsangYong Rexton and a Silver Subaru Legacy Station Wagon, have been identified and recovered by Police for forensic examination.
Police would like to speak to anyone that saw these vehicles in the Aranui Road and Gillespie’s Line area around the time of the murder, that has not yet been in touch.
Mr Gage was ambushed by those responsible whilst sitting in the front seat of his car - he was vulnerable and unable to defend himself.
Police are committed to holding those involved in this horrific crime accountable for their actions.
ENDS
Statement from Amythyst Tukaki, Mr Gage’s partner:
My baby, our dad, was more than just a Mongrel Mob member. He is a father, partner, brother, son, uncle & friend. He is loved by many, and he didn’t deserve any of this. His family didn’t deserve to witness this disgusting act of inhumanity.
Do the right thing and come forward with any information.
We spent 13 years together, and now four beautiful children have to live the rest of their life with NO FATHER and me with no partner. We just hope no more families have to go through this horror.
Do the right thing!!!! Coming home from a family day out, our babies sitting in the back seat! This is our family home! Our family car! We could have all been buried. What makes any of this okay?!
What if it was your family?
ENDS
