Police launch Featherston homicide inquiry

An autopsy was conducted today on the body of a Featherston man who died early Saturday from injuries suffered in a vicious beating at the hands of at least two people, police say.

Glen Jason Jones, 40, died in Wellington Hospital about 5am on Saturday after a midnight attack at his small bedsit at the Fitzherbert St boarding house.

A team of 18 police and forensic specialists have been examining two scenes in the small South wairarapa town, including the bedsit and a nearby stretch of grass at the corner of Watt and Revan streets.

A neighbour reported seeing several men running from Mr Jones' home, one carrying a baseball bat. She called emergency services and discovered Mr Jones, who was bloody and unconscious.

His former grilfriend Lisha Wellington was visibly upset when she arrived outside the cordoned boarding house on Saturday.

She said he had lived at the address for about five years and that the pair had split about a year ago after three years together.

"He was the kindest guy I ever met," she said.

"He was an innocent guy and he wouldn't do anyone harm. I don't know who would want to kill him."

Detective Inspector Sean Hansen, Wellington District Field Crime manager, said Jones had suffered a "vicious beating" and police "do not believe that this was a random attack".

"We know that there was more than one person involved in this attack and I would encourage anyone who was involved to come forward."

Mr Hansen said police are interested to hear from anyone who saw any person or vehicle acting suspiciously at the southern end of Featherston on Friday night.

Anyone with information can call Wairarapa police on 06 370 0300 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.