Woodville homicide: Victim named

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A man who was found dead at a house in Woodville on Sunday was shot, police confirmed today as they released his name.

James Whatuira, 49, from Pahiatua, was discovered at the property on Ormond St around 3pm on January 4. He did not live at that address, police said today.

The investigation was upgraded yesterday from a suspicious death to a homicide.

A post-mortem examination of the body today revealed Mr Whatuira sustained a single fatal gunshot wound, Detective Senior Sergeant Simon Harrison, officer in charge of the investigation, said.

"While the post-mortem has added that extra piece to the puzzle of what occurred at the address, we still have much work to do in an effort to identify and locate whoever is responsible for Mr Whatuira's death," he said.

"Inquiries about the weapon's whereabouts are continuing and we are making some good progress in our area canvas as well as speaking to witnesses and taking statements.

"We have also had about half a dozen calls from the public after our appeal for information about movements at the property, and the information provided has been helpful with our ongoing inquires.

"I want to thank those who have rung in with information and strongly encourage anyone else who saw any people or vehicles frequent the Ormond St property on the Sunday to contact police."

A team of 20 officers was working on the investigation, he said, and a scene examination of the property was still on-going. It was expected to be completed within the next 48 hours.

"We are also continuing to communicate with the Whatuira family as the investigation progresses and support them as they grieve," Mr Harrison said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Constable Claire Adkins on 06 210 2201, or anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.