Mt Albert stabbing: Deceased named

Reporter·NZ Herald·

4 Dec, 2015 05:08 AM2 mins to read

One person died and another was critically injured in a stabbing in the Auckland suburb of Mt Albert. A person at the scene said a body was lying in the middle of Renton Road, at the end of the cul-de-sac, and the injured person had already been taken to hospital by ambulance. St John said they were called at 12.15am. A witness told the Herald he had seen at least three young people - both male and female - being taken away in a police vehicle. They all appeared to have been intoxicated.

The man whose death in Mt Albert yesterday is the subject of a homicide inquiry has been named as 24 year-old Nathan Matai Pukeroa of Whangarei.

Emergency services were called to Renton Rd about 12.15am yesterday to find Mr Pukeroa deceased and another man, an associate of his, with serious injuries.

In a statement this afternoon, Detective Senior Sergeant Andrew Fabish of Avondale CIB said the scene examination outside 21 Renton Rd was complete.

"Experts have moved onto examining the residential address for clues about what happened at the property leading up to the fatal incident," the statement said.

The Police Specialist Search Group was also in the neighbourhood yesterday to assist the investigation team.

"However, these crimes are never solved in isolation and I ask that all residents in the area search their properties and advise police if they find any sharp items or potential weapons," said Mr Fabish.

"Mr Pukeroa's family was advised yesterday that their loved one was most likely the victim in this tragedy and police and Victim Support Services have been in regular contact with them since.

"Our focus today has been on trying to establish the nature of the attack on Mr Pukeroa and his associate who discharged himself from Auckland Hospital last night.

"We believe both men were stabbed and we'd very much like to hear from anyone who has information about who is responsible."

Anyone who can assist the homicide investigation is urged to call Avondale CIB on 09 820 5784, Police on 111 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.