New Zealand / Southland

Police name man found dead after Southland shooting

17:20 pm on 21 September 2016

Police have released the name of a man whose body was found at a house in the suburb of Otatara hours after a 50-year-old woman was shot and critically injured.

Kevin Johnston's death has been referred to the coroner.

The shooting occurred in the Dunns Rd area of Otatara, Invercargill. Photo: Google Maps

Police said they were told about reports a person had been shot near a Four Square in the suburb of Otatara, about 6.30pm yesterday.

A police spokesperson confirmed a woman had been injured by a firearm.

The Armed Offenders Squad searched the area, and a staff member at a nearby cafe said residents in the area were told to stay inside and lock their doors.

After midnight police went into a house at Otatara Road and found a 29-year-old man dead.

Police have confirmed the man was related to the 50-year-old woman and said he was suspected to have suffered a self-inflicted injury.

The woman had been taken to Southland Hospital in a critical condition, with her condition now serious but stable.

Police said they are not looking for anybody else in relation to the shooting.

Police were alerted to reports a person had been shot near the Four Square in Otatara about 6.30pm yesterday. (file photo). Photo: Google Street View

The local school's website describes Otatara as a semi-rural area with a population of 3000 residents, about 5km west of Invercargill.