UPDATE: Hori Gage homicide, Palmerston North

Police investigating the murder of a Palmerston North man last month are again appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

On Sunday 6 August Police responded to an address in Highbury following a report of a firearm being discharged.

Hori Gage, 27 (pictured with his whānau), was shot in a vehicle outside the address and died at the scene.

Detective Sergeant Dave Wilson says Police are today releasing further detail about the case to encourage anyone with information to come forward.

“This was a devastating situation in which a father was shot in front of his children, who were also in the car.

“It was only by sheer luck that the children were not injured in this callous and inexcusable crime.

“We’re following strong lines of enquiry and believe Mr Gage’s homicide is linked to events in a Palmerston North tavern on Friday 4 August.

“We would still like to hear from anyone with information about the movements of a white 2005 Nissan Teana, registration HLQ924, on Sunday 6 August.”

The vehicle was located burnt-out on Aranui Road later that day.

“A team of approximately 15 detectives, some from out of area, are determined to find out what has occurred and hold those responsible to account,” Detective Sergeant Wilson says.

“We would like to thank the public for their assistance to date.”

Anyone with information who hasn’t yet come forward is urged to do so by calling Police on 105 or going online at https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105 using ‘update report’ and referencing file number 230806/2952.

Information can also be shared anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

/NZ Police Public Release. View in full here.