The night the gunmen came
What killers said before opening fire
Three men, at least one of them carrying a firearm, fired more than five shots during a rampage through a Hamilton home which killed an aspiring chef and left another man battling horrific injuries, a source claims.
Robert Nelson was shot dead while a 17-year-old is fighting for his life in Waikato Hospital after up to three gunmen rained down a series of shots in a Matthews Cres, Melville, house about 1am Sunday.
Nelson’s partner, Kahlee Marfell, 20, is also recovering from surgery after suffering what is believed to be a bullet wound to both femurs after a bullet went through one thigh and ended up in the other.
Marfell and other family have spoken out of the heroics of Nelson, who shielded her from bullets after the gunmen stormed inside.
Other family are defending Marfell’s father, Mongrel Mob member Mark “Griff” Griffiths. His niece Nadine Lovini was angry at “judgmental comments about her family because they were connected to the Mongrel Mob”.
A relative yesterday revealed
more of what she claims happened that night.
She says two or three shooters knocked on the door when everyone was in bed.
Marfell got up and answered the door to find the armed men standing there, asking, “Is Mark home?”.
Marfell then walked away through the dining and kitchen area to the top of the hallway but was shot in the femur, or upper thigh, the relative told the Herald.
The bullet passed through one leg and penetrated Marfell’s other thigh.
Griffiths’ 17-year-old nephew had been staying at the property for the past few months and heard the ruckus, getting up to confront the intruders.
The teen then pushed Marfell behind him, out of harm’s way back down the hallway towards her room, and stood in front of the gunmen only to be shot four times — in the head, shoulder and twice in the torso, the relative said. Nelson also got up and ran towards the gunmen, shielding Marfell from further gunfire before he was also shot. Meanwhile, Griffiths was in his room and arrived to the bloodied scene with the gunmen having fled, the relative said.
She added that Griffiths was now wary of being with other family members for fear of them becoming a target.
The relative said she was also upset at rumours the incident was gang-related.
“He’s the most honest, trustworthy, reliable person. He’s approachable, he’s a fair person, you can talk to him about anything.”
Police have been contacted for comment about the comments as described to the Herald.
They issued a statement saying: “As the investigation is ongoing police cannot comment in relation to the points raised.”
Marfell spoke out from her Waikato Hospital bed on Monday morning, thankful for being alive, despite being shot.
“You get shot f***ing how many times and you are still alive. I think that’s a solid effort. That’s a solid effort. Still alive,” she said.