A man whose career ended 34 years ago when he was stabbed by gunman Quinn Patterson says there is "blood on the hands" of those who didn't speak out.
Natanya and Wendy Campbell were killed when they entered Patterson's property for an inspection.
The shooting has brought back traumatic memories for former police dog handler Bruce Howat, who was stabbed in the arm by Patterson as he did his job.
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"I knew [after being stabbed] I was seriously injured because there was blood running into the crotch of my police trousers. And I knew I was bleeding out badly.
"My only memory is I went down the death tunnel. I was travelling towards the light. And I remember I'd been called out but I hadn't said goodbye to my daughters. And so I went back because I wanted to say goodbye to my girls."
Mr Howat says anyone who knew about Patterson's illegal firearm stash, and didn't tell anybody, has the "blood of the dead on their hands".
"Their silence played a significant role in this happening… I'm 100 percent confident if the police had known that he had that weaponry they would've intervened before this incident happened. And the silence has let an unstable man get to a point that has cost two innocent women their lives unnecessarily."
Mr Howat says the deaths of Natanya and Wendy Campbell will always play on his mind.
"I stand alongside you, I'll pray with you forever. Be strong and let your family wrap their arms around you because they are vital to let you carry on into your future days."
Newshub.
