Fatal Ponsonby shooting: Suspect Hone Kay-Selwyn found dead near Taupō

A man wanted over a fatal shooting in central Auckland has been found dead near Taupō.

Police have been searching for Hone Kay-Selwyn, 31, who they believe shot dead a person on Ponsonby Rd ​​on Sunday night.

A source confirmed the discovery of the body to the Herald.

It is not known how Hone Kay-Selwyn died.

The victim, who was with a group of people at the time of the shooting, was found dead by police when they arrived at the scene, in front of a bar.

Police yesterday issued an arrest warrant for the 31-year-old man for illegal possession of a firearm.

As police searched for Hone Kay-Selwyn, a woman claiming to be his partner expressed remorse over the incident.

The woman reflected on the fatal shooting on social media.

“My inbox is full of messages about Hone’s (alleged) actions (on Sunday) night in Ponsonby,” the woman said.

“I want to express my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the victim. I am deeply sorry and feel great shame for the situation.

“I’m still dealing with the fact that Hone (allegedly) took someone’s life.”

Her social media post has since been deleted.

Kay-Selwyn had appeared in court in the past – he first appeared at Waitākere District Court in May 2020 charged with assault with intent to injure.

In June 2020 he appeared again after breaching bail.

And in December 2020, he appeared before Waitākere District Court for breaching community detention conditions.

It was unclear what came of these charges. A police spokesperson told the Herald he would approach the court for more information on historical matters. He confirmed Kay-Selwyn was not out on bail at the time of Sunday’s homicide.

He Herald has exclusive footage of Kay-Selwyn immediately after the shooting, showing him calmly walking away from the crime scene and talking on his cell phone.

Kay-Selwyn enters the camera frame at 10:17 p.m., two minutes after the shots were fired.

Rewatch the scene several times but continue walking south towards Richmond Rd.

It was the second publicly available recording of the man from Sunday night after police released photos of Kay-Selywn standing outside a pizza restaurant.

Kay-Selwyn was of heavy build, with short dark hair, a mustache and a beard along his jaw.

He had a tattoo on his left forearm that appeared to say “Forever” and was carrying a man bag (where police said he likely carried his gun) and distinctive jewelry. He had a bracelet on his right arm, a watch on his left, and a very large, square-shaped signet ring on his left ring finger.