Police have announced they are treating the death of a man in Auckland’s Pukekohe at the end of last year as a homicide.
Donnie Houben, 48, was found dead at a gang-associated property on Times Pl on December 30.
Detective Inspector Karen Bright said police had been treating the death as suspicious since he was found.
“Numerous enquiries have been underway to better understand the wider set of circumstances at play.
“Preliminary findings from the pathologist indicate he was subjected to an assault prior to his death.”
Investigators are still awaiting detailed findings from the pathologist.
Bright said police believed people in the community had further information on Houben’s death.
“I’m calling on those people to do the right thing and speak up to help hold those responsible to account,” she said, adding that information would be dealt with in confidence.
Anyone with relevant information should contact police on 105.
