Third man charged with the murder of Palmerston North man Damon O’Rourke

On January 11, 2023, in Palmerston North, New Zealand, Damon O'Rourke, a 33-year-old local man, was tragically killed following an incident that involved gunfire. According to the police reports, at approximately 10:30 p.m., emergency services were called to a residential address on Featherston Street, where they found Mr. O'Rourke suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite the best efforts of medical personnel, he succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

The initial investigation revealed that a dispute had taken place between Mr. O'Rourke and two other individuals at a nearby property earlier that evening. Following the altercation, one of the individuals is believed to have left the scene but returned later with a firearm. The ensuing confrontation resulted in Mr. O'Rourke being shot multiple times.

Two individuals were arrested in connection to the incident shortly after the shooting. One of them, a 31-year-old man, was charged with Mr. O'Rourke's murder on January 13, 2023. The second individual, a 28-year-old woman, was also arrested and later charged with accessory after the fact to murder.

The police appealed for any witnesses or anyone with relevant information to come forward to help with their investigation. The community was shocked by the violent incident, and a memorial was set up at the scene where Mr. O'Rourke was killed to honor his memory. The investigation is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

The names of the individuals involved have not been released to protect the integrity of the investigation. The police are urging anyone with information to contact them anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The death of Damon O'Rourke marked a tragic loss for his family and friends, leaving a void in their lives that can never be filled. The community came together to support each other during this difficult time, offering condolences and expressing their shock at the senseless violence that had occurred. The investigation into Mr. O'Rourke's death continues, with the police working diligently to bring those responsible to justice.