Timmins\u2019 sister Rachael O\u2019Grady told the Herald her brother was a former soldier and he worked on a farm.<\/p>\n
She said he worked with the animals and bred cats and dogs, including ragdolls and golden retrievers.<\/p>\n
\u201cBen was a broken man,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n
She went on to describe him as a \u201cstaunch peacekeeping man\u201d who had spent time in Iraq.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe was commended for rescuing hostages,\u201d O\u2019Grady said.<\/p>\n
At the time of the interview with the Herald, O\u2019Grady said she was on the way to identify her brother\u2019s body.<\/p>\n
What happened? <\/p>\n
Emergency services, including police, rescue helicopters and ambulances were called to the emergency about 12.40am on Wednesday, after a 111 call from the settlement north of Levin.<\/p>\n
The shooting left three people with life-threatening injuries.<\/p>\n
Timmins was found dead at the Wait\u0101rere Beach Rd address and police were not looking for anyone else in relation to the incident.<\/p>\n
Manawat\u016b Area Commander Inspector Ross Grantham said officers were at the property within eight minutes.<\/p>\n
\u201cResponding officers were told that a firearm had been discharged at the address and, when they arrived, four people were found with wounds that are consistent with being shot,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe quick response by police likely saved the three victims\u2019 lives.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur officers were confronted with a harrowing scene that no one should have to witness.\u201d<\/p>\n
The woman was taken to Palmerston North Hospital by ambulance and the two men flown to Wellington Hospital. She has since been transferred to Wellington Hospital as well and all three remain in a critical condition.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnother young person who was at the address is physically unharmed and they are being given wrap-around support.\u201d<\/p>\n
Police called hours before shooting – report<\/p>\n
According to RNZ, police were called to the Wait\u0101rere Beach address hours before finding the shooting scene.<\/p>\n
RNZ reports Grantham as saying a 111 call was made by the woman about 7pm.<\/p>\n
He said police took action in response, but was unable to give details.<\/p>\n
Another 111 call was made after midnight, leading to police arriving at the property for a second time, RNZ reports.<\/p>\n
Police have been contacted for comment.<\/p>\n
Man\u2019s body remains at scene<\/p>\n
Grantham said police will be conducting a scene examination that is expected to take several days.<\/p>\n
The body of the man remains at the site and is set to be removed tomorrow before an autopsy on Friday.<\/p>\n
\u201cLocals can expect to see a police presence in the area for the time being,\u201d Grantham said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI would like to commend everyone who was involved in this harrowing ordeal, from those who called emergency services, as well as first responders at the scene.\u201d<\/p>\n
Police and forensic investigators at the property on Wait\u0101rere Beach Rd. Photo \/ Mark Mitchell<\/p>\n
A Hato Hone St John spokesperson confirmed they were called to the scene at 12.41am and sent two ambulances, two rapid response vehicles, two helicopters and an operations manager.<\/p>\n
Just before 2am, NZTA was warning road users to avoid the intersection of Wait\u0101rere Beach Rd and State Highway 1 because of a \u201cpolice incident\u201d and to delay their journeys if possible until further notice. SH1 was not affected by the closure.<\/p>\n
A local shopkeeper said he was familiar with the couple that lived at the Wait\u0101rere Beach Rd address but he did not know them personally.<\/p>\n
He said he believed the man who lived there had a reputation for being \u201cimpatient\u201d.<\/p>\n