A family member of the elderly man shot dead in Hokitika this week has spoken for the first time of their ordeal.
Frank Joseph Schist, 86, and his intellectually-disabled grandson, Andrew Hutchison,23, were shot dead in their Hokitika home on Tuesday.
A 41-year-old Hokitika man entered no plea when he appeared in the Greymouth District Court yesterday charged with murder.
In a statement issued by police early this evening, an unnamed family member says he wants to thank police, family, friends, and the local community, who had supported them through the past few days.
"On behalf of family I would first of all like to thank the Police for the kind and considerate manner in which they have supported us through a tragic time in our lives.
"I would also like to thank the hospital staff and support workers who have looked after mum and supported the family,'' the spokesman says.
"Finally we would also like to thank our close friends and family and people from the community. You have all helped us in a way that words sometimes are hard to express.
"Out of respect for Dad and Mum, who are very private people, I will just say a few words about them.
"Dad was born on the Coast and spent most of his life in the bush logging and then in the mill at Mananui. He also farmed and worked for 30 years or so at the once thriving Seaview Hospital as a groundsman.
"Upon retirement he sold his Southside farm and moved to Hokitika where he looked forward to living out his days.
"Andrew, who died along with his Grandfather, was only 23 years old. He lived in Hokitika and worked happily at the local Moss Factory. Andrew was a very well liked young man who had a big heart and has made in his short life a big impact on all those who knew him.
"I would also like to say on behalf of the family, that while we in no way condone the violent acts that have unfolded, we would like to extend our sympathy to the other families involved.
"We would just ask that you will respect our privacy at this time and allow us to sort through our emotions''.
AUTOPSIES CONDUCTED
The bodies of the two dead men were driven from Hokitika to Christchurch last night for autopsies after the pair were shot at Schist's Fitzherbert St home on Tuesday afternoon.
Grocer Brent Williams said Frank Schist was a frail man who used a mobility scooter or crutches but still managed to chop his own firewood.
"He was a lovely old guy, very friendly," he said. "They were pretty independent. His wife had a hearing problem and we'd hear her yelling at him about how much the groceries cost".
Family gathered at the house of Schist's daughter, Mary Giles, yesterday, but declined to speak to media.
Helen Porter, of Hokitika, knew the younger victim through her work as the regional manager of Pact West Coast, which supports people with intellectual disabilities.
She said he lived in supported accommodation.
"He loved life and music and loved being in a situation where he was flatting with other people," Porter said. "It was his birthday last Saturday, and we brought him a SingStar and him and his flatmates had a brilliant time.
"Everybody is devastated".
The man accused of Schist's murder appeared tired and did not speak during his court appearance yesterday.
Justice of the Peace Mark Gardner remanded the man in custody to reappear on Tuesday.
Interim name suppression was granted, with psychiatric reports to be prepared before the next hearing.
Two female supporters wept in the public gallery, and one shouted "I love you, uncle" as the man was taken back into custody.
Police said the man had not been charged with the second murder yesterday, as the younger man's body had not been formally identified and next-of-kin were being informed.
Relatives of the dead men visited the Schist house yesterday evening to identify the bodies.
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