Police Launch Homicide Investigation After Two Found Dead

Police have initiated a homicide investigation following the discovery of two deceased individuals at a property in Ruatiti, located near Whanganui National Park. The victims were found by officers on the afternoon of October 10, 2023, prompting authorities to take immediate action.

In a statement, Central District Commander Superintendent Dion Bennett confirmed that the police are treating the incident as a homicide. He noted that a thorough scene examination will commence on October 11 and is anticipated to last several days.

“We are focused on understanding the circumstances surrounding their deaths,” Bennett stated. He also indicated that a post-mortem examination and formal identification procedures will be conducted in the upcoming days to determine the identities of the victims and the cause of death.

As the investigation unfolds, residents in the area are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities. The police have not released any further details regarding the victims or the potential circumstances leading to their deaths.

The community is grappling with the impact of this incident, as Ruatiti is typically a quiet and rural area. Local authorities are committed to ensuring a comprehensive investigation, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

For now, law enforcement officials are focusing on gathering evidence and interviewing potential witnesses as part of the ongoing inquiry. The police are asking anyone with information related to the case to come forward to assist in the investigation.

This tragic event has raised concerns about safety in the region, and the police are working diligently to bring clarity to the situation.