1.30PM: Auckland police have just confirmed that they now believe elderly gay Onehunga man Ron Brown's sexuality played a clear role in his brutal death, allegedly at the hands of a Hungarian tourist, and are seeking the gay community's help.
A source within the investigation team confirmed exclusively to GayNZ.com early this afternoon that police are investigating the possibility the savage bashing which led to Brown's death occurred after Brown made a sexual overture to Ferdinand Ambach in the early hours of Saturday 8th.
Police were called to the scene of the attack after neighbours heard piercing screams and the sound of shattering glass. Brown was found badly beaten but still clinging to life, Ambach, 29, was still on the premises.
Brown died two days later when his life support was turned off.
Police are now trying to build up a background picture of Brown, including his visits to gay bars and sex on site venues. "We are trying to get a clearer picture of how he interacted with other people, what kind of overtures he has made in the past and to whom," said the police source. "It is very likely his death was the result of a gay-bashing."
Staff of Auckland cruise club Lateshift have contacted police offering some background on the man they describe as "often under the influence of drink but basically harmless" and "with an eye for younger, exotic-seeming men." Urge bar staff say he was also a familiar face there and was fairly open about his sexuality.
Gay venue staff or men who have had some contact with Brown in recent years, however fleeting, are asked to contact Detective Constable Jason Malcolm at the Glen Innes police station, phone 524 1958 or 524 1921. Malcolm says the confidentiality of any people providing assistance will be respected.