The two people found dead after a firearms incident in Nelson six days ago have been named.
They were Brendon James Perry, 49, and Nicola Yvonne Perry, 48, police said today.
The man and woman were found dead after a shotgun was stolen from a store in the industrial suburb of Annesbrook, later identified by Nelson Mayor Nick Smith as Hunting & Fishing NZ on Quarantine Rd.
The offender left in a vehicle before police arrived after the theft just before noon last Friday, Acting Tasman District Commander Superintendent Blair Macdonald said.
“A short time later, police were alerted to a firearms incident on Parkers Rd, and on arrival a man and a woman were both located deceased,” Macdonald said last Friday.
“Initial inquiries suggest the two deceased were known to each other … this was an isolated incident and there is no ongoing risk to public safety.”
Police said support was being provided to both families.
“Nicola’s family wish to sincerely thank the local Nelson community that have gone above and beyond to help during this incredibly difficult time.”
Nelson police say inquiries into the deaths were ongoing.
Autopsies were completed as was a scene examination at the Parkers Rd property, Inspector Steve Collins said this afternoon.
“The scene has been blessed and handed back to the owners,” he said.
“Police continue to gather information, which will be provided to the coroner.
“I would like to acknowledge the effect of this incident on the Nelson community, who have no doubt been shaken by this traumatic incident, and thank those who have rallied together to support those affected.”
A witness told the Herald he heard multiple shots shortly after noon on the day of the incidents.
“I heard a shot, a bang, a noise, and I thought somebody was using a Ramset gun ... the next minute I heard another shot and I thought, ‘Oh, that doesn’t sound right’.”
The witness then heard several more shots before calling 111 and walking towards the noise.
Looking through a ranch slider into an office, he saw “paper, everything all over the place”.
“It was helter-skelter, and [the 111 operator] said to me, ‘No … vacate the premises now’. So I backed off. Just as I came out on the footpath, hell broke loose, with Armed Offenders [Squad members], sirens and all that s*** were coming.
“It’s horrific. It was not bloody nice.”
Police later had the site taped off, with a blue tent over a parking space next to the building.
As part of their inquiries, police were also at a property on Sanctuary Drive, Stoke, Macdonald said last week.
FAMILY VIOLENCE
How to get help
If you’re in danger now:
• Phone the police on 111 or ask neighbours or friends to ring for you.
• Run outside and head for where there are other people. Scream for help so your neighbours can hear you.
• Take the children with you. Don’t stop to get anything else.
• If you are being abused, remember it’s not your fault. Violence is never okay.
Where to go for help or more information:
•Women’s Refuge: Crisis line – 0800 REFUGE or 0800 733 843 (available 24/7)
•Shine: Helpline – 0508 744 633 (available 24/7)
•It’s Not Ok: Family violence information line – 0800 456 450
•Shakti: Specialist services for African, Asian and Middle Eastern women and children.
• Crisis line – 0800 742 584 (available 24/7)
• Ministry of Justice: For information on family violence
•Te Kupenga Whakaoti Mahi Patunga: National Network of Family Violence Services
•White Ribbon: Aiming to eliminate men’s violence towards women.
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Cherie Howie is an Auckland-based reporter who joined the Herald in 2011. She has been a journalist for more than 20 years and specialises in general news and features.