Greg King found dead

Nov 4: Attorney-General Christopher Finlayson has expressed his condolences after the high profile lawyer Greg King was found dead yesterday.

A highly-placed legal source had indicated to NBR that Mr King took his own life.

His death has been referred to the coroner.

“Although young in years, Greg King had already achieved a huge amount in his career,” Mr Finlayson told NBR.

“He was a lawyer in the finest traditions of the criminal bar, of the same stature as the likes of Mike Bungay, Kevin Ryan and Roy Stacey.

“He was a fine advocate and a very nice guy. His early death is very sad, and my deepest sympathies go to his family at this time."

Law Society head Jonathan Temm said the legal profession was "tremendously saddened" by Mr King's death.

"Throughout his career he represented clients who were often unpopular and he did that with real ability and determination," Mr Temm said.

Nov 3: Police say a man found dead near his car this morning in the Wellington suburb of Newlands was Wellington barrister Greg King, 42.

There were no suspicious circumstances.

Mr King successfully defended Ewen Macdonald in the Scott Guy murder case.

His clients also included Scott Watson, found guilty of murdering Ben Smart and Olivia Hope in 1998, and Clayton Weatherston, found guilty of stabbing Sophie Elliott in her Dunedin home in 2008 and Bruce Howse and John Barlow, both convicted for murder.

Mr King also worked in the media, presenting the TVNZ7 show The Court Report.

He is survived by his wife Catherine Milnes and two daughters.

Police were notified by a member of the public about 10.30am who reportedly discovered Mr King’s body near his vehicle. Police had notified the family and scene examinations were continuing, Detective Inspector Paul Basham of Wellington CIB said in a statement released early Saturday evening.

“Our deepest sympathies are with Greg’s family and friends at this incredibly tragic and difficult time.

“Greg was well known and respected among Police staff, and I know his death will be keenly felt by many people, including those in the wider legal community, which has also suffered a huge loss.”

King family spokesperson, Frances Jones, asked that the family's privacy be respected as they come to terms with the tragic news.

“This is a terrible tragedy for Greg’s family and children, who are devastated by his loss.”

Mr Basham said no-one else was being sought in connection with the death, which had now been referred to the Coroner.