New Zealand shooting: Suspect is charged with the murder of Australian tourist

BREAKING NEWS: Suspect is charged with the murder of Australian tourist found dead in a campervan in New Zealand

Police have arrested and charged a man in relation to the alleged murder of an Australian tourist in New Zealand. 

Sean McKinnon, 33, and his Canadian fiancee Bianca Buckley were allegedly targeted in a random attack while camping in the North Island town of Raglan.

Police said Mr McKinnon was sleeping in the campervan with his fiancee when the gunman fired a number of shots into the vehicle after 2am on Friday.

Ms Buckley managed to escape on foot in the dark to a nearby farm for help while the gunman drove off in the campervan, with Mr McKinnon dying in it.

Sean McKinnon, 33, and his Canadian fiancee Bianca Buckley (pictured) were allegedly targeted in a random attack while camping in the North island town of Raglan

His body and the stolen vehicle were found at Gordonton, 80km away from the crime scene.

Police carried out a search warrant at a rural Waikato address about 11pm on Friday, where they found a 23-year-old man allegedly connected to Mr McKinnon’s death.

He has been charged with a number of serious offences including Murder, Aggravated Robbery and Threatens to Kill.

The 23-year-old man will appear in the Hamilton District Court on Saturday.

Detective Inspector Graham Pitkethley described the incident as a ‘random and unusual’ event, NZ Herald reported.

‘I know this has been a shocking event for the community,’ he told reporters.

Sean McKinnon was shot dead in New Zealand

‘This has shocked and touched a number of people in the community and the inquiry team as well.’ 

In a statement Mr Pitkethley said the victim’s family have been spoken to about the arrest. 

‘This is a traumatic time for his family and his partner and the New Zealand Police we will do everything we can to provide them with support they need,’ he said.  

‘I want to thank those in our community who contacted Police with information and assisted us with our investigation.

‘We want to reassure the community that the safety of our community is our priority and we will do everything we can to find those responsible for serious crimes and hold them to account.’

More to come.  

Officers responded to a ‘serious incident’ in nearby Raglan shortly before the grim discovery, and are still searching for the gunman

 

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