Nearby Holy Cross Catholic School was plunged into lockdown Friday morning. Video / Vaimoana Mase
Tributes to the person found dead following a day-long standoff in West Auckland on Friday remember the man believed to be a Head Hunter member as a loving father of four.
Trinity Elijah Duffy, 39, also known as James Helu, was found dead inside a house in Henderson after police,including Armed Offenders Squad members, descended on the property.
Police officers were shot at as they executed a search warrant related to “serious offending” at the Newington Rd address and roads were cordoned off and a nearby school was locked down at about 7am.
Duffy live-streamed moments of the incident on Facebook, including his yelling at police and a final message for his children as friends commented, asking Duffy to explain what was going on.
“You will be sorely missed, my dear friend. Your legacy [and] your children will live on. Memories of you never forgotten,” one mourner said.
The man found dead following a day-long armed standoff in West Auckland on Friday has been named as 39-year-old Trinity Duffy. Photo / Jason Oxenham / Facebook
Diane Tahapeehi said Duffy was “forever known as the loving father of his four beautiful children and husband of his loyal, loving partner, son, brother and friend of many.”
Waitematā CIB Detective Inspector Kevin McNaughton said the police incident related to a pre-planned search warrant for a gang member wanted for arrest for serious offending.
“Upon arrival, our staff were met with extreme hostility from the subject of the search warrant and a number of shots were discharged towards police staff,” McNaughton said.
“Cordons were immediately put in place as a result, with some residents in the immediate vicinity evacuated as a precaution.
Police tried to speak to Duffy throughout the day, but he “repeatedly refused to engage” with officers, McNaughton said.
An armed police cordon on the corner of View Rd and Railside Ave in Henderson. Photo / Jason Oxenham
Late on Friday afternoon, the Armed Offenders Squad entered the address and found Duffy dead.
Details about Duffy’s funeral, likely to be held in West Auckland, is expected later.
“An investigation will now commence into the man’s death on behalf of the Coroner. The Independent Police Conduct Authority will also be advised, as is standard procedure.
“Police would like to acknowledge the Henderson community for their co-operation and understanding, as they were disrupted by the cordons in place throughout the day,” McNaughton said.
