A man found in Napier has been charged with the murder of Brian James, shot dead at an Auckland property on December 23, while police are also hunting another man.
James died when two armed offenders invaded the Glass Rd property in the central suburb of Mt Roskill and was shot. Two others at the address received non-life threatening injuries and were taken to hospital.
Detective Inspector Scott Beard said at the time that the male offenders were armed with a machete and a firearm and that the attack had not been random. The offenders left the scene on foot.
Police on Friday said there had been a "significant breakthrough", with Auckland detectives and Hawke's Bay officers arresting and taking into custody a 33-year-old man who was found at a Napier address overnight.
He will appear in the Hastings District Court on Friday afternoon charged with murder and with wounding with intent to injure in relation to the two other victims.
A second man is still being sought and police have obtained a warrant for his arrest. He is Sam Junior Angelo Thomsen, also known as Angelo.
Police have released an image of the man and said his current whereabouts are unknown. He is described as being a male Pacific Islander, 42 years of age, and has a tribal tattoo on his upper right arm. He is considered dangerous and should not be approached. Anyone who sees him should ring 111.
"I want to acknowledge the investigation team, who has put in some long hours working right through the Christmas and New Year period on what was a 'whodunnit' homicide," Det Insp Beard says.
"While it's good to have made an arrest in this case, our investigation is ongoing and our focus is firmly on locating Sam Thomsen.
"The family of Brian James are relieved and grateful at the progress being made.
"Understandably this has been a very difficult time for the family, who are still grieving for a loved one who was killed right before Christmas.”
Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Sam Junior Angelo Thomsen is asked to phone Police on 105, quoting file number 211224/4140, or you can provide information anonymously by phoning Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
