Two shooting victims in bed, police say

HAMILTON: Police have confirmed two of the victims of a fatal Hamilton shooting were lying in bed when a gunman entered the property and opened fire.

Robert Nelson (23) died shielding his partner in bed in the shooting early yesterday at a house in Matthews Cres, Melville.

Detective Senior Sergeant Ross Patterson said the shooting appeared to have been targeted to the address and the public should not be scared for their safety.

He confirmed the shooter was still on the loose.

‘‘We are going to work hard to find out who these people are,’’ Det Snr Sgt Patterson said.

Two armed offenders squad members with highpowered rifles were guarding the crime scene, while forensics staff dres sed headtotoe in white suits assessed the evidence.

The street was cordoned off but residents living next door to the property were still able to get in and out.

He could not comment on whether the fatal shooting was gangrelated.

Det Snr Sgt Patterson confirmed two of the victims were in bed and getting ready for sleep when they were shot. Nelson’s 20yearold partner Kahlee and a 17yearold male also at the house, believed to be a family friend, were seriously injured.

The two injured victims were taken to Waikato Hospital.

A hospital spokesman said the woman was in a serious condition while the teenager was critical.

A fourth person at the property was not injured.