Ponsonby shooting victim remembered as ‘man with a big heart’
Wednesday, 8 May 2024
Robert Sidney Horne, 33, was found dead on Auckland’s Ponsonby Road on Sunday night after reports of gunshots.
Horne has been remembered as a “very, very kind” person with a “big heart”.
Police identified Hone Kay-Selwyn as the suspected shooter; he was later found dead in the Taupō area.
The man who was found fatally shot in Ponsonby has been remembered as a “very, very kind” kind person by a work colleague.
Robert Sidney Horne, 33, was found dead on Auckland’s Ponsonby Rd on Sunday night after reports of gunshots in the area.
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Horne’s family did not wish to comment on Tuesday, but a long-time colleague told Stuff he has a “good heart” that “a lot of people could take advantage of”.
“He was a very, very kind person. He has a big heart. When he wants to help you, when he wants to do something for you, it’s 100% or nothing. That summarises Rob,” the colleague, who did not want to be named, said.
The colleague said Horne worked hard to bring his business on track after the Covid-19 pandemic.
“He did his best given all the circumstances. Covid set him back a bit but he was trying his best to get back on track business-wise. He just worked hard to get out of the financial mess.”
Horne’s whānau posted on social media on Monday about their “deep sadness” over his “tragic and sudden” death.
“It is with deep sadness we announce the tragic and sudden passing of our son, brother, moko, uncle and friend to many,” a Facebook post said.
“Robert is currently with the coroner’s and we will expect to have him laying at Parawera Marae [15 kilometres to the south-east of Te Awamutu] tomorrow afternoon/evening.
“Robert will lay at Parawera Marae until Thursday then will be taken to Ngai Tupoto ki Motukaraka Marae until Saturday then laid to rest at Mātai Urupa.”
A family member later posted an update on social media that Horne’s body was released from the coroner on Tuesday afternoon and “we are heading to the funeral home to prepare Robert for his trip home.”
A police spokesperson said police’s thoughts “are with the family and friends of Mr Horne following this tragic incident”.
“The family of Mr Horne are understandably devastated at what has occurred and have requested privacy at this difficult time.”
Police previously identified the alleged gunman as Hone Kay-Selwyn. Kay-Selwyn was found dead in or near Taupō overnight, police said.
On Monday, police released photos of Kay-Selwyn, who they called a “person of interest” in relation to the homicide investigation.
Detective Inspector Chris Barry said at the time “police are working tirelessly to give the victim’s family answers and to put [Kay-Selwyn] before the Court”.
An arrest warrant was issued for Kay-Selwyn in relation to the unlawful possession of a firearm.
On Sunday, police allege Kay-Selwyn tried to enter a bar on Ponsonby Rd, but was denied entry because it was closing.
He was then seen “lingering” on the famous Auckland street, towards the Richmond Rd end.
At around 10.15pm, a group of four people - including Horne - got out of a parked car and walked in the man’s direction.
“Enquiries so far indicate multiple shots were discharged,” Barry said.
A now deleted social media message posted by Kay-Selwyn’s partner late on Monday said that she had been been inundated by messages “concerning Hone’s actions last night in Ponsonby”.
She asked for space to process the “tragedy”. She said she was “deeply sorry” and felt a “great sense of shame about the situation”.