Woman shot dead: Boy, 15, bailed

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A 15-year-old was released into his parents' care yesterday after he allegedly shot dead a close female friend while playing with a gun in the kitchen of the victim's home.

The boy, who cannot be named because of his age, was visiting friends at a rural property near Okaihau in the Far North when the shooting occurred just after 8pm on Tuesday.

His family and the victim's are believed to be close and many work together on a nearby farm.

The victim's name, address and any details that could lead to the identification of her or the boy were suppressed at the 15-year-old's bail hearing in Kaikohe yesterday.

The teenager is charged with careless use of a firearm, a .22 calibre rifle, causing death. Police said it was too early in their investigation to know if further charges were likely.

Yesterday, relatives of the 20-year-old victim kept a vigil outside the home as a forensic examination of the scene was completed.

Area commander Inspector Chris Scahill said others present when the shot was fired were being interviewed.

A number of young people had been in the house, but there wasn't a party and there was no indication alcohol played any role in the shooting.

The death appeared accidental. "It's a tragedy for all involved. Yet again it's a reminder for the need to be very careful with firearms," he said.

Police believe they know who owned the rifle. A post-mortem examination on the 20-year-old was completed yesterday.

Three ambulances attended the scene but paramedics could do nothing to save the young woman. It is understood she was shot in the chest.

After spending a night in custody, the boy was remanded on bail to live with his parents. He is forbidden to contact any witnesses, and no guns are allowed to be kept on the property.

A large group of family supported him in court and he left the courthouse close to his parents.

The teenager was remanded without plea to reappear in the Kaikohe District Youth Court on February 15.