Relatives say Warkworth shooting was accidental

Police at the scene of Friday's shooting. Photo / Herald on Sunday

Relatives of the man charged in connection with his partner's fatal shooting in Warkworth believe the incident was accidental.

A 21-year-old appeared before the North Shore District Court yesterday charged with illegal possession of a sawn-off shotgun.

His name and any details identifying the victim were suppressed.

One of his relatives said reports of the shooting had been sensationalised.

"We've been told it was an accident," she said.

Inspector Keith Brady from Rodney police said no new charges would be laid this weekend but refused to confirm the relative's claim because the investigation was continuing.

"We always keep an open mind on how circumstances have occurred."

Police said the man drove his 20-year-old partner from their home to the Kowhai Medical Centre about 2pm. She was dead when medical staff reached her.

The defendant's grandfather said last night he was shocked by the news. He last saw his grandson a week ago, when he paid a brief visit.

"He looked all right. He came and had a cup of tea and talked for about half an hour."

He had been living with his partner for about a year and they were raising a 1-year-old girl together.

"He was good with the baby, changed the nappy, looked after her," said his grandfather.

The dead woman was "lovely, nice, pretty," and the couple seemed happy.

"It's really sad, she was a really nice girl," he said.

He wasn't aware of his grandson owning or having an interest in guns.

"I always thought he was quite a good kid."

The couple's property was yesterday cordoned off by police, who were scrubbing down decking.

A bucket of red, white and pink roses had been left by the driveway, with a card reading: "We will always remember your smile. Miss you always."

Neighbours were shocked and upset by the shooting, and said there had never been trouble at the house before.

Neighbour Anne Elliott said it was a village community, and "bad stuff shouldn't be happening here.

"It knocked me for six."

She said she had often seen the woman playing with her daughter in the back yard.

The man was remanded in custody to reappear on Friday.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY