A 26-year-old man appeared in the Manukau District Court today after a two-year-old child was shot dead in Māngere. The man was charged with unlawful possession of a pistol.
A woman, who didn't want to be identified, is still coming to grips with the death of a two-year-old toddler next door.
"It has been a lot to take on, having to leave during the day and coming back at night // just waking up again and seeing it on the news and knowing that we are just next door, it's just really heart breaking, I just cry."
At the Manukau District Court this afternoon, the 26-year-old male charged with unlawful possession of a pistol in relation to the case was granted name suppression.
"I do pray that the lord guides them through this time of mourning, and just keeping everyone safe at this stage,” says the Mangere neighbour.
Yesterday, the girl was allegedly shot dead with a sawn-off shotgun. Police say they aren't looking for anyone else in relation to her death and are continuing to conduct extensive scene examinations.
Police confirmed that no one at the address had a firearms licence and enquiries are ongoing as to how the firearm was obtained.
The man charged with unlawful possession of a pistol was denied bail and remanded in custody. However, he was granted leave for the toddler's funeral set for next week.