“A Broken Man”: Waitārere Beach Shooting Identified as “Tragic Family Incident”
By Lions Roar News Crime & Community Desk
WAITĀRERE BEACH, HOROWHENUA (Wednesday, January 14, 2026) — The tranquil coastal community of Waitārere Beach is in shock following a fatal overnight shooting that has left one man dead and three others injured. The victim has been identified as 60-year-old Benjamin Timmins, a man described by his own sister as “broken” prior to the tragedy.
Police and emergency services were called to the property late last night, where they discovered a scene that the local Mayor has since characterized as a “tragic family incident.”
📉 The Victims and Survivors
The violence inside the home left several members of the household caught in the crossfire.
- Deceased: Benjamin Timmins (60).
- Injured Survivors: A 46-year-old woman and two young men, aged 17 and 21. All three are receiving medical treatment for their injuries.
- Unharmed: A fifth person present at the property during the shooting was physically unhurt but is reportedly suffering from extreme shock.
🗣️ “A Broken Man”
Speaking to media today, the sister of Benjamin Timmins provided a glimpse into the troubled life of the deceased. While not justifying the violence, she described her brother as a man who had been struggling significantly, using the word “broken” to characterize his mental or emotional state leading up to the incident.
Horowhenua Mayor Bernie Wanden expressed the community’s grief, noting that such incidents are rare for the quiet beach town. “Our hearts go out to the wider family and the neighbors who have been affected by this sudden and violent event,” he said.
🚔 Ongoing Police Investigation
Police remain at the cordoned-off property today as forensic teams conduct a detailed scene examination.
- The Scene: Investigating officers are working to determine the sequence of events that led to the discharge of the firearm.
- Community Safety: Authorities have reassured the public that this was an isolated incident contained within a single family unit, and there is no ongoing threat to the wider Waitārere Beach community.
- Next Steps: Formal identification and a post-mortem examination are expected to be completed in the coming days.
