New information has emerged surrounding the death and past of Hone Kay-Selwyn, a member of the Killer Beez gang, found deceased in Taupō following a fatal shooting on Ponsonby Rd over the weekend.
Police believe Kay-Selwyn, 31, opened fire shortly after 10:15 p.m. on Sunday after being denied entry to a Ponsonby Rd bar. The incident resulted in the death of 33-year-old Robert Sidney Horne, who was with a group outside the bar. Police confirmed that there was no known association between Kay-Selwyn and the victim.
In the aftermath, police issued a warrant for Kay-Selwyn’s arrest for unlawful possession of a firearm. His body was discovered at a rural Taupō property by an associate while police were en route to speak with him. Detective Inspector Chris Barry stated that his death is being treated as ‘unexplained’, and investigations are ongoing.
Earlier that morning, about 12 vehicles filled with men dressed in black, some with covered faces, arrived at the property. Police were at the scene since early morning to investigate the circumstances surrounding Kay-Selwyn’s death. Neighbours reported hearing sirens at around 5 a.m.
Kay-Selwyn, who fell into gang life after the death of his father filmaker Don Selwyn in 2007, had a history of violent behaviour. He had previously been convicted for assaulting a stranger outside Taupō’s Sin City strip club in February 2020 and was sentenced to ten months of supervision.
The New Zealand Police Minister Mark Mitchell has moved to reassure the Auckland public, pointing to the additional 15 police officers now patrolling the city. He emphasised a proactive approach to policing gangs, with increased foot patrols in high-risk areas like Ponsonby Rd.
In the wake of the fatal shooting, a woman claiming to be Kay-Selwyn’s partner expressed remorse over the incident. On social media, she apologised to Horne’s family, acknowledging the gravity of the situation and sharing her deep regret. The post has since been deleted.
Police continue to investigate the exact circumstances surrounding the incident and Kay-Selwyn’s death while urging the public to come forward with any relevant information.
