Seacliff woman Sharon Diane Comerford (53) died at her Coast Rd home, where her body was discovered on Tuesday morning. Police said she died after a single gunshot to her head.
The 59-year-old man at the centre of the investigation was found in the nearby Truby King Reserve, with serious gunshot wounds and a firearm close by.
His family yesterday issued a statement requesting privacy and saying they were ‘‘shocked and deeply saddened by this senseless tragedy''.
‘‘We would like to remind members of the public to call the police if they hear disputes and disturbances.''
‘‘He is a kind animal-lover with a brilliant mind and wonderful sense of humour.''
The family also voiced their concern at reports the man was said to have contacted police on the Friday before the shooting, saying: ‘‘We are distressed that there was a plea for help on Friday which was ignored and fobbed off.''
The concern comes after a neighbour, who did not want to be named, claimed the man was told to ‘‘sort it out yourself'' when he contacted police about a dispute on Friday between himself and Ms Comerford.
The woman who sent the statement on behalf of his family said he was undergoing reconstructive facial surgery and the family were hopeful his ‘‘warmth and human side'' would not be lost in reporting about the shooting.
Police said yesterday charges were yet to be laid and the investigation was ongoing.
The man remained in a serious but stable condition in the intensive care unit at Dunedin Hospital last night, a hospital spokeswoman said.
