The man arrested following this morning's triple stabbing in Albany remains in Police custody this afternoon. A decision on charges is expected to be made this evening. Police can confirm that this is a family violence related incident, and the arrested man is the former husband of the victim.
Emergency services were called to the Mahoney Drive address just before 9am this morning, where 3 people were lying injured outside the property.
Police, St John Ambulance and several members of the public attempted first aid on all 3 victims, however despite their efforts, 41 year-old Heidi Welman-Scott died at the scene. Her 22 year-old daughter was taken to hospital by ambulance, and her 22 year-old male partner was airlifted to hospital by Westpac Rescue Helicopter. Both have undergone surgery and are in a serious but stable condition in hospital.
A full Police manhunt was immediately launched across the North Shore and this involved taking the precautionary measure of locking down 3 schools in the surrounding area.The Police response was co-ordinated and run from the Waitemata Police district command centre, based at the North Shore. The response involved the mobilisation of multiple front-line officers, dog units, the Eagle helicopter and CIB staff.
Police organised for an alert to be placed on the wanted man to ensure that he was unable to leave the country. Police can confirm that he did in fact attempt to leave the country and as a result of the alert, he was stopped at Customs. Police officers based at Auckland Airport detained him until Waitemata Police detectives arrived. At this stage Police believe he intended to fly to South Africa. No further comment will be made about this aspect of the incident.
A number of vehicles have been seized and will be forensically examined in the next few days. A scene examination is underway at the location of the incident and this is also expected to take several days.
At this stage a weapon has not been located.
Family members of all 3 victims are being supported by Police and Victim Support.
ENDS
Issued by Beth Bates/Waitemata Police