The man police have been hunting in connection with the double stabbing of his parents in Waikato is believed to be one of three people found dead at a residential property in Waitomo District.
The man police have been hunting in connection with the double stabbing of his parents in Waikato is believed to be one of three people found dead at a residential property in Waitomo District.
Ross Bremner, 34, was wanted in connection with the stabbing death of his mother Clare, 60, on Tuesday night at their home in Otorohanga. His father, Keith, 64, was also critically injured during the attack and remains in Waikato Hospital.
Another of the people found dead at the home near Taharoa about 7pm last night is believed to have recently celebrated his 80th birthday, a source told Fairfax.
Keith's close friend Geoff Benefield said he was unsure who had been found in the house and was focussed on providing support to Keith, who was still critical, and other family members.
Neighbour Allan Smith said the man and woman who died in their cottage were a loving husband and wife and their demise has sent shock waves through the tiny Kinohaku community.
Smith, a farmer in the coastal settlement south of Kawhia, said he grew up with the dead woman and she had only recently turned 80.
However police would not confirm the identities of the three deceased this morning.
Another neighbour on Kawhia Harbour Rd raised the alarm last night after she visited the couple who also spent time in Te Kuiti.
Smith said he was alerted to the situation by a phone call from another neighbour around midnight as news of the tragedy spread.
"It was an absolute shock last night and it was quite scary."
Smith said the dead woman was a well respected member of the community who came from a "full of fun" family.
Ross Bremner was wanted in connection with the stabbing death of his mother on Tuesday night in Otorohanga and last night three people were found dead near Taharoa. Photo / Google Maps
"They were a bubbly family. They were a sporting family, good at tennis."
Family had gathered at the scene to wait for the couple's bodies to be removed.
Smith said everyone was coping as best they could.
He said the strength in small communities was that everyone pulled together in such difficult times.
Waikato Police Acting District Commander Naila Hassan said the discovery of the bodies was made by a person visiting the property.
The scene in Taharoa where three bodies were discovered. Photo / Alan Gibson
The crime scene remains under police guard, with cordons in place on Kawhia Harbour Rd near Willow Point Rd.
Hassan said a Holden Vectra Saloon has been found at the property. This vehicle has been the subject of a police search for Bremner over the past few days.
Bremner's parents had just become grandparents for the first time. His mother had told friends her son had been in a dark place recently and his parents feared what he might do.
The relationship between the three dead people is yet to be confirmed, however early indications suggest they were all known to each other.
Ross Bremner. Photo / via Police
Hassan said the area was remote with limited cellphone coverage.
"Police acknowledge that this is unsettling and alarming to the community, but do not believe there is any ongoing risk to the public," Hassan said.
"A scene examination and further investigations into the circumstances of this tragic event will continue tomorrow."
A press conference is scheduled to be held at the Hamilton Central Police Station at midday.
Keith Bremner is in Waikato hospital after a stabbing in Otorohanga. He is pictured here with daughter Loren, and wife Clare, who was killed in the attack. Photo / via Facebook
No further updates are expected before then.
Taharoa Fielddays has been cancelled today due to the incident.
People living in the area have also taken to social media to talk about a police presence in the small Waikato settlement.
One woman wrote on Facebook that a police officer in the area "didn't say much" when she was stopped at a cordon, "but said it was similar to what happened in Otorohanga."
Another woman wrote she had seen police with torches searching her aunt's property.
