Taupo coroner drops secrecy

TAUPO - A coroner yesterday lifted interim name suppression on two people found dead in Taupo last week.

They were Patrick William Avello, aged 67, retired, and Judith Lynette Mavis Avello, 48, caregiver, Taupo police said.

Their bodies were found in a house on Saturday with extensive head wounds.

Police, who are not looking for anyone else in connection with the deaths, said they would not release any further details.

A source said the couple had been in a marriage-type relationship. Death notices this week listed them with different surnames. The police had released their commonly used names.

Initial suppression was imposed on Wednesday after next-of-kin requested that neither name be published.

Taupo coroner Morna McFarlane said withholding the names had already caused "an excess of media attention."

"If that is likely to continue or increase, that will cause continuing or increasing distress to those close to the deceased.

"The original wishes of the family to grieve in private will be negated."

Morna McFarlane said there was "reasonable cause" to believe at least one of the deaths was self-inflicted.

- NZPA