Victims: It's is hard to imagine ever feeling safe again
Preliminary inquiries by Police indicate that the death of Caleb Dean Henry, 20, who died after an exchange
of shots with Police on the North Shore yesterday, was not a suicide.
The Police investigations include an examination of Police policy, practice and procedures, in addition to the ongoing homicide investigation and inquiries in the Bay of Plenty, Auckland and Waikato. It is likely that it will take several weeks before the outcome of those inquiries is known.
Police officers involved in yesterday's exchange of shots remain on duty and are receiving appropriate support as required.
The body of Mr Henry has now been released to his family, with a private burial ceremony to take place later this week. The family have requested privacy at this time.
Meanwhile the victims of the traumatic home invasion remain in hospital in a 'comfortable' condition.
Alan and Anne Looney released a statement this afternoon saying
"We feel really traumatised by what has happened. We are very simple people leading a very simple life and find it hard to comprehend that something like this could happen to us. It's is hard to imagine ever feeling safe again.
"We need some space and time to come to terms with what has happened and to look after ourselves, but we also acknowledge that what happened has affected so many lives, not just ours. We expect that his family are going through a trauma of their own.
"The commitment from the police, St John, Victim Support, social workers; everyone has been fantastic and the support from the community has been overwhelming; the phone has apparently been ringing off the hook with people wishing us well.
"We have very strong support from family and friends, and even people that don't know us all that well have been marvellous. That's what will get us through.
"For now we ask for some privacy."