Police have named the man at the centre of a homicide probe over a fatal shooting in Auckland’s Ponsonby.
On Sunday night, one person was found dead on busy Ponsonby Rd after they left a parked car, alongside three other people and walked in the direction of the suspect.
The man — who police allege pulled a gun from a shoulder bag and fired shots during the incident — was earlier pictured in surveillance camera footage released by authorities.
Police named the man this afternoon as Hone Kay-Selwyn.
“A warrant has now been issued for the 31-year-old’s arrest for unlawful possession of a firearm,” a spokesperson said.
Police said they were “not in a position” to release the identity of the man killed during the shooting while “next of kin notifications are still to be completed”.
‘I feel a great sense of shame’
A woman who said she was the partner of Kay-Selwyn expressed remorse for his actions, RNZ reported
In a now deleted Facebook post, she said her inbox had been “overflowing” with messages about her partner’s actions on Sunday night in Ponsonby.
“I want to express my sincerest condolences to the family and loved ones of the victim. I’m deeply sorry and feel a great sense of shame about the situation.”
She said she was “grappling” with the fact he had taken someone’s life.
When contacted by RNZ, the woman did not want to comment further. She said she “wanted no part in any of this” and that she and her children were innocent.
Detective Inspector Chris Barry reiterated that authorities would like to hear from anyone who has information on Kay-Selwyn’s whereabouts.
“We are reiterating that Kay-Selwyn is considered dangerous and should not be approached. Anyone who sights him should contact police immediately on 111.”
Barry warned anyone helping the alleged shooter of potential consequences, as police worked “tirelessly” to “put this man before the court”.
“We are reminding any associates of this man that anyone found to be aiding or assisting him to evade police in any way, may be liable to prosecution for being an accessory after the fact,” he said.
“We know that the community have several questions about what occurred in Ponsonby on Sunday evening and we can reassure you police are working tirelessly to give the victim’s family answers and to put this man before the court.
Weapon concealed in man’s bag — police
Yesterday, police described Kay-Selwyn as “being of large build, with dark hair and facial hair, and a large tattoo on his forearm.”
“Earlier on Sunday evening, this man tried to enter a bar on Ponsonby Rd, however was denied entry as it was closing,” Barry said at the time.
“He was seen lingering on Ponsonby Rd towards the Richmond Rd end.
“Around 10.15pm, a group of four people, including the victim, exited a parked car on Ponsonby Road and walked in the man’s direction.
Police believe the weapon used in the shooting was concealed in the side bag the man carried, Barry told media. He added it was unclear what the man’s motivation was.
“Inquiries so far indicate multiple shots were discharged.
“The man was then seen to be walking south on Ponsonby Rd, in the direction of Richmond Rd, following the incident.”
— additional reporting from RNZ