Fatal shooting in Lower Hutt: One dead, another with life-threatening injuries

One person has died and another has critical injuries as police launch a homicide investigation in the Lower Hutt suburb of Stokes Valley.

It’s more “awful and unsettling news” for Hutt Valley residents who were recently left reeling following two deadly incidents in 24 hours and as police continue their investigation into the death of slain toddler Ruthless-Empire Wall.

In this latest incident, police officers converged on a property on George St, Stokes Valley, with the Herald being told it involved a shooting at the property in the early hours of this morning.

Police erected a blue tent near a house, the footpath was partially cordoned off, and there were cones outside a driveway.

A dozen people were gathered at the cordon this afternoon, some putting their arms around one another for comfort.

Some of those standing outside were wearing Mangu Kaha jackets, which is a splinter group of Black Power.

Detective Inspector Haley Ryan said police were called to the scene at 2.05am.

“Upon arriving at the address, officers located one man, who sadly died at the scene, and a second injured man a short distance away,” Ryan said.

“The surviving victim was transported to hospital, where they have undergone surgery for life-threatening injuries.”

One person is dead, and another suffered critical injuries, in a shooting in Stokes Valley, Lower Hutt, in the early hours of this morning. Photo / NZ Herald

Homes in the immediate area are predominantly owned by Kāinga Ora.

Kāinga Ora would not comment on what support was being offered to residents, some of whom could be seen visibly distressed in their front yards today, and referred questions to police.

Huck Haeata moved into one of the Kāinga Ora homes on the street earlier this year and was awake at the time of the incident.

She said she heard a loud and powerful boom.

“The cat looked at me and I was like: ‘What was that?’ I’ve never heard that before.”

“That stopped me and my cat in our tracks.”

Haeata said she didn’t realise what had happened until the next morning.

“It’s shocking when you know that in that moment, last night, someone’s life was taken. I heard someone’s life taken.”

Police could be seen speaking with residents in the area while also conducting a thorough scene examination. There will be a continuing police presence over the weekend.

“Investigators are working to piece together the events that led to this tragic event,” Ryan said.

Police are keen to talk to anyone with information that could assist their inquiries, especially anyone with CCTV within Stokes Valley and Eastern Hutt Rd.

“We understand this event will be particularly distressing for members of the community, and police will have an increased presence in the area over the coming days,” Ryan said.

A tent to protect potential evidence is set up over the scene where one person was killed, and another suffered critical injuries, in a shooting in Stokes Valley, Lower Hutt, in the early hours of this morning. Photo / NZ Herald

Lower Hutt Mayor Campbell Barry said an incident like this was incredibly unsettling for close-knit communities like Stokes Valley.

“I know police will be increasing their presence to provide reassurance to the community over the coming days,” Barry said.

”If anyone has information that could assist, please get in touch with police.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police by phoning 105, or visiting 105.police.govt.nz and using “update report”, with the file reference number 231216/6245.

Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.

Hutt South MP Chris Bishop said he felt for residents.

“It’s more awful and unsettling news for the Hutt,” Bishop said.

Less than a month ago, the Hutt Valley community was left reeling after two deadly incidents in 24 hours.

The first incident occurred in the early hours of the morning when a woman was killed in a hit-and-run on Naenae Rd.

Later that day, police shot and killed a man who was involved in a domestic dispute with a woman on Coast Rd in Wainuiomata.

Meanwhile, police are continuing their investigation into the death of toddler Ruthless-Empire, who is believed to have suffered fatal blunt-force trauma in the Lower Hutt suburb of Taitā.