Home of shot woman soon to return to family - police

Police have nearly completed a forensic examination of a Central Otago house where a woman was shot dead and her husband seriously injured.

Lesley Ann Johnson, 60, appeared to have been shot at her Roxburgh address, about 4.45pm on Friday, Detective Sergeant Derek Shaw, of Central Otago CIB, said.

Mrs Johnson's 66-year-old husband, who has not been named, was also found at the address with critical injuries and was flown by emergency helicopter to Dunedin Hospital. He was operated on and was in the intensive care unit, Mr Shaw said.

Police were yet to interview him, and would do that later in the week.

A scene examination was "fundamentally complete" and the property could be returned to the family tomorrow, Mr Shaw said.

"We're just continuing with our inquiries and interviewing witnesses and people who we feel can assist with our investigation."

A firearm believed to have been used in the incident was found near the couple's Smith Street house.

Mrs Johnston's body was removed from the property on Saturday afternoon and was taken to Dunedin for a forensic examination, which was completed last night, Mr Shaw said.

"We are following a positive line of inquiry in the investigation, which we are treating as a homicide."

Nobody has been charged in relation to Mrs Johnston's death but police were not seeking anyone else in relation to the incident, Mr Shaw said.

"I can reasonably assure the general Roxburgh community of their safety."

- NZPA