Hunt for gun goes on in NZ slaying

NEW Zealand authorities are still searching for the gun used to kill Australian surfer Sean Mckinnon, ambushed in the dead of night while his Canadian fiancee ran for her life.

A man has faced court charged over the 33-year-old’s shooting murder at Raglan – a popular North Island surf spot – on Friday.

Sean Mckinnon’s shattered family say they “don’t know how to begin to put life together without him”.

He and fiancee Bianca Buckley had been sleeping in their campervan about 2am on Friday when the accused gunman allegedly demanded the keys and shot Mr Mckinnon before driving off with his body inside.

Ms Buckley managed to run to a nearby farm for help before Mr Mckinnon’s body was discovered in the abandoned van about 80km away on Gordonton Rd, near Hamilton.

Police said yesterday they were still looking for the gun used in the attack and said they were working to return his body to his family, in accordance with their wishes.

Police are also urging anyone who may have spotted hitchhikers around Waikato township, Gordonton or at nearby Whitikahu during the day on Friday to contact them.

Mr Mckinnon’s 23-yearold alleged killer appeared in the Hamilton District Court on Saturday charged with offences including murder, aggravated robbery and making threats to kill.

The man, whose identity has been suppressed from publication, was remanded in custody after a public tip-off led to his arrest in the Waikato area on Friday night.

Outside court, Mr Mckinnon’s sister, Emmeline, told reporters “we just don’t know even how to begin to put life together without him”.

“The worst thing was telling my mother,” Ms Mckinnon added.

SHE IS THANKFUL THAT AN ARREST WITHIN A 24-HOUR PERIOD HAS OCCURRED AND WE’RE WORKING WITH HER

She said her brother’s fiancee had been “amazingly resilient and strong”.

“I cannot even begin to understand what she’s gone through. She’s a really strong young woman. We’re just really glad she’s alive.”

Detective Inspector Graham Pitkethley said Ms Buckley remained shocked and traumatised from her ordeal.

“She is thankful that an arrest within a 24-hour period has occurred and we’re working with her and her family, and we’ll continue to be in touch with her around her welfare,” he said.

Mr Mckinnon’s alleged killer is expected back in court on August 27.