Families in total shock at Anzac Day shootings
Three ‘scenes of interest’ examined after policeman charged with wife’s murder
The families of the victims of the Anzac Day double shooting in Invercargill are in “total shock” as they try to cope with the tragedy. Verity McLean, also known by the nickname “Bert”, died in the shooting and Garry Duggan suffered several gunshot wounds.
Verity’s husband, Constable Ben McLean, 47, has been charged with murder and attempted murder.
The McLeans, who have three children aged between 9 and 19, separated about a month ago, the Herald has been told.
Duggan, it’s understood, was also separated from his partner and had been living with Verity McLean at the Otepuni Ave property where the shooting took place shortly after 8pm on Tuesday.
A statement from the family of Verity McLean was released yesterday.
“We, as the family of Ben and Verity McLean, acknowledge the tragic circumstances following the events of Tuesday night in Invercargill,” said family spokeswoman Jane Allan.
“We are all very shocked and are trying to cope with what has happened as best we can as a family.”
The family thanked the Invercargill community for its outpouring of support, as well as police for the “very difficult job they have to do”.
“We have been overwhelmed by kindness and understanding, from family, friends and people within the community, some of whom we have never met,” Allan said.
A McLean family friend told the Herald yesterday that everybody was in “total shock”.
“There’s actually not a word in the English language to sum it up: tragic, stunned, shock . . . they just don’t quite cover it,” they said.
“What sucks is the people closest to them can’t make head nor tail of it.
“This is nothing like anyone down here has ever dealt with before. It’s incredibly hard for everybody.
“Whatever has happened, poor Bert did not deserve this.”
Ben McLean and Duggan remain in Southland Hospital.
Duggan suffered a fractured skull while allegedly struggling with McLean, the Herald has been told.
Southern District Commander Superintendent Paul Basham said yesterday: “The investigation is continuing, with a team of detectives and specialist forensic staff working to piece together the tragic events of Tuesday night.”
A postmortem examination was due to be carried out and the results would be “factored into the ongoing investigation” of one of their own.
Three “scenes of interest” were being examined, including the Otepuni Ave property, Tweed St playground about 200m away, and Ben McLean’s residence at Scott St just outside of town.
Forensic staff were yesterday examining the inside of the Otepuni Ave property, located in an industrial area.
“They will then focus on the immediate area around the property,” Basham said.
It’s incredibly hard for everybody. Whatever has happened, poor Bert did not deserve this. McLean family friend
A number of separate investigative processes are ongoing, including the criminal investigation which has oversight of out-of-district police staff and from which reports will also be prepared for any coronial inquiry.
An employment process is also under way, while the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) will “proactively oversee” the police investigation.
The Herald understands that Ben McLean was a teacher before he joined the police about 10 years ago.
He taught science at a Southland high school but was no longer registered. The Ministry of Education refused to comment on his teaching background.
Former students have expressed their shock at the arrest of McLean, who was popular during his time teaching.
“He was one of the best,” one exstudent said on Facebook.
“He was the cool teacher,” another added.
Anyone with any information can contact Invercargill police on 03 211 0400 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.