Ponsonby shooting suspect’s death ‘not suspicious’

The death of a man wanted by police following a fatal shooting in Ponsonby, Auckland on Sunday, is not being considered suspicious.

After a chase, Killer Beez gang member Hone Kay-Selwyn, 31, was found dead yesterday near Taupō.

This morning the autopsy was completed.

“His death is not being treated as suspicious and is being referred to the coroner,” Detective Inspector Chris Barry said in an update today.

“Police continue to acknowledge the public’s continued support in the Ponsonby homicide investigation to date.

“The investigation team will continue to investigate that matter on behalf of the coroner.”

Police continue to monitor the transport of Kay-Selwyn’s body throughout Auckland this afternoon, a police spokesperson said.

His body was handed over to a funeral director at Rotorua Hospital today.

“We are aware that the gang members had previously traveled south to Rotorua and we continue to monitor their movements through the Auckland region.

“Police resources will be deployed where available to monitor activity, including the Police Air Support Unit.

“Motorists concerned about any activity they see should report it to the police so that appropriate action can be taken.”

It comes after the shooting victim was identified yesterday as Robert Sidney Horne, 33, from Auckland.

Kay-Selwyn, who police say pulled a gun from a purse and fired shots during the incident, previously appeared in surveillance camera footage released by authorities.

Horne was with a group of people at the time of the shooting and was found dead when police arrived.

On Monday, Barry said Kay-Selwyn had attempted to enter a bar on Ponsonby Rd, “however was refused entry as it was closing”.

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

“A group of four people, including the victim, got out of a car parked on Ponsonby Rd ​​at around 10.15pm and walked in the direction of Kay-Selwyn,” Barry said.

Following this, “multiple” shots were fired and Kay-Selwyn was seen walking south on Ponsonby Rd, heading towards Richmond Rd.

A woman, who claimed to be Kay-Serlwyn’s partner, expressed remorse over the shooting in a now-deleted Facebook post.