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Police have confirmed the two men, aged in their 50s, who were killed in a Christchurch double homicide were known to the man accused of their murders.
The incident happened at a residential complex on Olliviers Road in Phillipstown.
Police were called about 12.50am on Saturday.
“There was an incident in one flat there involving a person from another flat going to that address, and then the incident happened there” Detective Inspector Greg Murton said.
He confirmed the people involved knew each other but declined to elaborate on the circumstances leading to the violence. “It’s very early days in the investigation.”
Two men died at the scene, while two other people were taken to hospital with serious and critical injuries.
A 58-year-old man has been charged with two counts of murder, one count of attempted murder and one count of wounding with intent.
He is due to appear in the Christchurch District Court on Monday 12 October.
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Murton declined to discuss the nature of the victims’ injuries or whether weapons were involved.
Murton declined to say whether any of those involved were previously known to police, although chrislynchmedia.com understands at least some were known to authorities.
He said investigators were not searching for any additional suspects.
“The person we arrested last night is the only person we were looking for, and they’re now in custody.”
The deaths have left residents of the complex shaken, with neighbours expressing concern about their safety.
Murton sought to reassure those living nearby. “This was a very isolated incident. There are no concerns for the wider community or other residents of that complex, and we do understand and appreciate how upsetting this is for them.”
A police presence is expected to remain in the area as investigators continue examining the scene and establishing the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
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Friend pays tribute to victims
A friend of the two men killed has spoken about the lives behind the tragedy, saying they were loved by those who knew them despite their troubled backgrounds.
Speaking to chrislynchmedia.com, the friend, who is not being identified, said he wanted people to understand there was more to the men than their pasts or the decisions they had made.
“My two friends who passed away this morning may not have been upstanding members of our community, but they had lives and people who loved them for who they truly were, not for their pasts, their beliefs or their opinions. When they let their guard down, you got to see the real people behind it all.”
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He also spoke warmly about the two people injured in the incident.
“My friends that were injured in this are some of the most caring and willing to do whatever they can to help others.”
The friend said those injured had offered friendship and support to people regardless of their backgrounds, including the man now facing charges.
He believed the tragedy reflected wider issues involving mental health, the need to feel accepted and the breakdown of trust between people.
“This behaviour is all about mental wellness and feeling wanted and needed.”
Police officers speak with members of the public near the scene in Phillipstown, Christchurch.
He said relationships could deteriorate with devastating consequences.
“Eventually there is a breakdown in trust or belief and it erupts into violence and someone dies.”
His comments reflect his personal understanding of those involved. Police have not confirmed a motive or whether mental health was a factor.
