Airgun used in fatal shooting bought legally

The Manurewa house where 18-year-old Shaun Townsley was fatally shot last month. Photo / Richard Robinson

An airgun allegedly used by a teenager accused of shooting and killing his friend during a drinking session was bought legally, police say.

Zhivargo Edward Blake Williams, 18, made a brief appearance in Manukau District Court today charged with manslaughter and the possession of a firearm.

Judge Jonathan Moses granted him bail to an address in Huntly.

He also imposed conditions, including an overnight curfew. Williams is also not allowed to use a firearm and is not allowed to drink alcohol or do drugs.

Judge Moses also forbade him to travel to Auckland without the permission of police.

Williams is charged over the death of his friend Shaun Townsley, who was shot dead on January 12 while he and friends were drinking in the backyard of a Manurewa home and shooting targets off a fence.

He was rushed to Middlemore Hospital after the incident but he died soon after arrival.
Outside court today, Detective Inspector Dave Lynch said the airgun allegedly used by Williams was bought legally and was not covered by laws surrounding high-powered air rifles.

"In general terms it would appear that some people still have the perception that airguns are toys."

He said he was aware of three recent cases in which people had been shot by airguns.