The 59-year-old's body was found in his Papakura home yesterday afternoon. He is believed to have been stabbed to death yesterday morning. A 16-year-old boy has been charged with his murder and is due to appear in the Papakura Youth court tomorrow. Police say there is no evidence of a sexual incident, however they are being cagey about revealing any circumstances of the killing due to the accused teenager's age. Phillips had worked with the Counties-Manukau police for the past twelve years and was a temporary sworn officer before his death. His colleagues are tonight holding a memorial service.
6.20pm: Word is circulating in the gay community that a man matching the description of murder victim Denis Norman Phillips was known to frequent a number of central Auckland gay venues.
