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SUPPLIED / NZ POLICE
Desmond Lawrence Bourne has been charged with murder in the shooting death of 37-year-old Zane Smith.
A 45-year-old man charged with murder in connection with a fatal shooting in Wellsford has appeared in court.
Desmond Bourne was found by police on Thursday, without responding, at an address in central Auckland after a six-day search.
On Friday morning, police confirmed that Bourne had been charged with the murder of 37-year-old Zane Smith.
Bourne and Serene Tilsley, 21, were wanted after Smith was found dead in his car on Wayby Station Rd in Wellsford, north of Auckland, with a gunshot wound on Saturday.
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Tilsley appeared in court Thursday, charged with being an accessory to the murder, and was granted bail.
Bourne appeared in North Shore District Court before Judge Clare Bennett on Friday, dressed in a dark blue suit and with an emotionless expression on his face.
He was held in custody until his next hearing in Auckland High Court on December 16.
Detective Inspector Scott Beard said police would like to thank the community for their help and the reported public sightings of the alleged offender.
Beard said that since Smith’s death, a team of detectives had been “working around the clock.”
“We continue to support Mr. Smith’s family at this difficult time,” he said.
Smith and Bourne were believed to know each other, Beard said, and the murder is not treated as a random attack.
Smith has been remembered by his friends as an “amazing person” who was an incredibly loyal friend.
NZ POLICE / Supplied
Police are appealing over sightings of a black Ford Falcon Saloon, registration CTS862.
Although Bourne and Tilsley had been charged, Beard said police are still appealing sightings of a black Ford Falcon saloon with registration CTS862, which has been linked to the incident and was seen in Pakuranga on Sunday morning.
Police also want to find the firearm that was used in the incident, which is believed to be a rifle.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of the two elements is urged to contact the Waitematā Crime Squad on 09 839 0697.
They can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555111.
