‘Decent man with a big heart’: Ponsonby shooting victim named

Police have named the victim of the shooting in Auckland’s Ponsonby on Sunday night.

He was Robert Sidney Horne, 33, of Auckland.

The release of Horne’s name comes just hours after police this morning confirmed the suspected gunman, 31-year-old Hone Kay-Selwyn, was found dead on a rural property near Taupō.

In a statement police said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Mr Horne following this tragic incident.

“The family of Mr Horne are understandably devastated at what has occurred and have requested privacy at this difficult time.”

A former work colleague who did not wish to be identified told 1News Horne was a “decent man with a big heart” and was always helpful.

He also said he was a “typical Kiwi who loved the outdoors”.

Horne was killed after Kay-Selwyn allegedly pulled a gun from a shoulder bag and fired “multiple” shots. Horne was with a group of people at the time of the shooting and was found dead when police arrived.

In a post to Facebook, Horne’s whānau confirmed the death: “It is with deep sadness we announce the tragic and sudden passing of our son, brother, moko, uncle & friend to many.”

Alleged shooter found dead

On Monday, Detective Inspector Chris Barry said Kay-Selwyn had tried to enter a bar on Ponsonby Rd, “however was denied entry as it was closing”.

“He was seen lingering on Ponsonby Rd ​​towards the Richmond Rd end.”

A group of four people, including Horne, exited a parked car on Ponsonby Rd ​​at around 10.15pm and walked in Kay-Selwyn’s direction, Barry said.

After this, “multiple” shots were fired — and Kay-Selwyn was seen walking south on Ponsonby Rd, in the direction of Richmond Rd.

This morning, Kay-Selwyn was found dead at a rural property in the Broadlands area after traveling there from Auckland.

Barry said the death is currently being treated as “unexplained.” He said that while police are unable to put a time on when he died, “we understand it would have been yesterday at some stage.”

He also confirmed the “male that we were seeking is a member of the Killer Beez gang”.

Barry said that while a post-mortem examination is yet to take place, police believe he is the man they had sought in relation to the shooting. The man’s body currently remains at the property where it was found, he added.

Auckland and Bay of Plenty Police will be collaborating “as we work through this part of the investigation.”

“The wider police investigation into the homicide remains ongoing.

“Our investigation team will continue to piece together the information received to date, and we will continue to make inquiries on behalf of the coroner.

“Police have notified the victim’s family of these developments, and we have been in touch with the family of the man sought.”

Additional reporting by Simon Mercep