Two children and a man identified after Papatoetoe deaths

Police have identified three people found dead at a Papatoetoe home last week as Dahlia Neville, 6, Hunter Neville, 9, and Edward Courtenay James Neville, 40. Officers were called to the Cambridge Terrace property around 6.40pm last Thursday following reports of one death, but discovered two more bodies inside. Police confirmed the three were members of the same family and are not searching for anyone else.

A community vigil was held on Monday morning at a carpark near Cambridge Terrace and Tavern Lane to honour the victims. The gathering included neighbours, community representatives, librarians, and police officers who participated in prayers and karakia. Manukau Ward councillor Alf Filipaina and local board chair Apulu Reece Autagavaia were in attendance.

The investigation into the deaths is being conducted on behalf of the coroner and is ongoing. Detective Inspector Karen Bright stated that it would take time to provide answers for the family. The property was handed back to the family on Saturday morning following a scene examination.

The family was well known in the local area, with Edward Neville having worked at a local library. One neighbour reported seeing the man on the front steps with his children less than an hour before the police were called. Another resident noted that the household consisted of the man, his two children, and his father.

Where reports differ

• One report mentions a resident saw the man lying on the front steps, while another notes the man was seen with his children on the steps less than an hour prior

Compiled from reports by NZ Herald, 1News and Stuff.