“One of those men, aged 30, who has assault injuries, was one of the two uninvited people who arrived at the party,” Detective Inspector Dave de Lange said.
The other two men in hospital, aged 21 and 45, were party-goers who suffered stab wounds in the fight.
“The post-mortem examination for one of the victims to establish the cause of death was completed in Palmerston North on Monday, and he has been released to his grieving whānau.
“A post-mortem for the second victim was due to be completed yesterday afternoon, and he was to be returned to his loved ones last night.”
Det Insp de Lange said police were still awaiting results from those examinations.
Police have expressed their condolences to the families of the two men.
Detectives and ESR experts completed their detailed scene examination yesterday.
Lytton Road at that point was reopened to single-lane traffic past the scene of the tragedy earlier in the day, and was due to be fully reopened yesterday afternoon.
A 29-year-old man charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm is being held in custody before appearing in court next month.
“We are making steady progress with our homicide inquiry,” Det Insp de Lange said.
“We have identified more than 40 witnesses who were at the scene of the double tragedy.”
Police know there were about 100 people at the party when the altercation broke out.
“We’re undertaking a thorough process to identify others who may be able to help.
“There are still many people who were there on the night who will have seen or heard something.
“If you haven’t spoken to us yet, please get in touch,” he said. “You might think you didn’t see anything important, but even small details could be crucial to the investigation.
“We’re also aware that videos were taken of the altercation and ask anyone with photos or footage to contact us as soon as possible.”
Police liaison officers have been supporting the victims’ whānau, “to make sure they are part of the process at this incredibly difficult time.”
Police to continue ‘reassurance patrols’
Det Insp de Lange said police continue to have a scaled-down presence at Gisborne Hospital to provide reassurance, given the nature of the events.
“Police from across New Zealand are in Gisborne to support this investigation.
“This is a very complex inquiry, with dozens of witnesses to interview, but everyone involved remains committed to getting answers for the grieving whānau and their community.
“Again, if you were at the party on the night, or have information that could assist, please get in touch with us as soon as possible,” he said.
Police continue to operate “reassurance patrols” in the community.
“We know how difficult these events are for our community and how important it is for them to see us on the streets.
“We do want to stress again that this is not an incident involving rival gang factions.
“Nevertheless, Gisborne police continue to have a highly visible presence across the city, supported by their colleagues from other districts.
“We would also like to thank our partner agencies, including Victim Support and the (Gisborne District) council, for their support and assistance,” Det Insp de Lange said.
“If you have information, please get in touch with us via 105, by phone or online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking Update Report.”
• People should reference the file number 240324/0768.
• Information can also be provided anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
• Gisborne Hospital remains open to patients and visitors, the hospital said in a statement yesterday — “albeit with a police presence on-site, and restricted access to some areas”.
'We are there for you, Tairāwhiti'
Acting Tairāwhiti area police commander Inspector Darren Paki has reassured the Gisborne community that police are there for them.
“We’ve got this, and we are there for the people in this community.
“Police are vested in this community and how people are feeling, and we want them to know we are walking alongside them.
“If you have concerns about the situation please talk to us.
“We are there for you.”
