10 Jan 2025

Police name 'suspicious' Pukekohe death victim

2:20 pm on 10 January 2025
Unexplained death in Taita, Lower Hutt early on Sunday 26th January 2020.  A Police cordon and crime scene invetsigation tent were in place Monday 27th January 2020.  Police Emergency tape.

Photo: RNZ / Patrice Allen

Police investigating the "suspicious" death of a Pukekohe man have named the victim as Donnie Jacobus Anthony Houben.

The 48-year-old was found dead at a Times Place address on 30 December.

Police said the death is being treated as suspicious due to the results of a postmortem examination and the investigation is ongoing.

His whānau posted tributes on social media mourning Houben, describing him as "the humblest man".

"On behalf of the Houben/Hoeta Family it's with great sadness that we announced the passing of our beloved Son, Father, Brother , Koro Donnie Jacobus Anthony Houben."

"As we are still coming with terms of Our Dads sudden Passing, we will keep our whānau updated as we go."

Houben's family requested privacy at this time.

Police urge anyone with information to come forward either online or by calling 105 and providing reference number 241230/6522.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

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