A child is accused of fatally shooting a man during a hunting trip on New Zealand’s North Island. John James Stuart Atkins, 44, was hunting with friends near Tolaga Bay on Saturday night when a boy under 13, who was hunting with his father, shot him while spotlighting.
Police received a call around 10:40 PM on Tauwhareparae Rd in the Gisborne district. Atkins was flown to the hospital in critical condition but passed away a few hours later.
Detective Inspector David de Lange stated that an investigation is still ongoing. He expressed condolences, saying, “This is a tragic incident; our thoughts are with Mr. Atkins’ family at this difficult time.”
A 39-year-old man from Gisborne appeared in court on Monday for unlawful firearm possession. He is expected to return to court on September 9. Reports indicate this man is the boy’s father and did not have a firearms license.
Atkins’ family chose not to comment but shared that he was a devoted father of three and a passionate hunter from Tolaga Bay. His ex-partner paid tribute on social media, saying he was “ripped away from us far too soon” but that their children will remember how much he loved them. She added, “I will be forever thankful for the years we had together. Rest in so much love, John.”
Many others have shared tributes online, mourning the “devastating news” of Atkins’ death.
