Category: MIL-OSI

Source:

The Police investigation into the tragic death of Kyle Whorrall over Easter Weekend has progressed significantly.

Detective Inspector Glenn Baldwin says on Tuesday afternoon, Police obtained further information about a black SUV that was subject of a media appeal.

“The Operation Aberfeldy team commenced investigations into this vehicle of interest and its movements.

“I can confirm we have now located this vehicle on the North Shore, and it has been seized by Police with a detailed forensic examination underway.”

In a significant development, the investigation team have also identified a person of interest in the case.

Detective Inspector Baldwin says late yesterday afternoon, Police executed a search warrant at a Beach Haven address.

“A 16-year-old male was arrested and charged with aggravated robbery and murder,” he says.

“He will be appearing in the Auckland Youth Court today.”

A 32-year-old North Shore woman has also been charged with being an accessory after the fact to murder.

This woman will be appearing in the Auckland District Court today.

Detective Inspector Baldwin says: “We are aware that there were other occupants in the vehicle at the time this crime was committed.

“This investigation is by no means over.

“Our enquiries are ongoing to locate these persons of interest, and I encourage them to do the right thing and come into their nearest Police station or phone us.”

Police acknowledge the support from the St Johns community, and further afield.

“There has been a stream of information that has come into us, and we are working through this. 

“We value and appreciate the community support,” Detective Inspector Baldwin says.

As part of the investigation, Police are still working to fully understand the events of Saturday night, and why Kyle tragically lost his life.

Police are still seeking information on the white Toyota ute, which had been cut off by the vehicle of interest.

“I want to reiterate to those occupants that they are witnesses, and their information is important to our investigation,” Detective Inspector Baldwin says.

“Please come forward at the earliest opportunity.”

If you have information, please contact Police online or call 105 using the reference number 250419/9858.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source:

Police are continuing to follow several lines of enquiry in the homicide investigation launched in St Johns during Easter Weekend.

Detectives have been working over recent days to piece together the violent events that unfolded on the night of 19 April.

Police have had several members of the public come forward with information.

Today, Police are appealing for witnesses in a vehicle to come forward in the investigation.

Detective Inspector Glenn Baldwin says Police are seeking the driver of a white Toyota ute who may have been cut off by a vehicle carrying the offenders.

It has been established that prior to the fatal attack, the dark coloured SUV turned around further down St Johns Road at around 9.51pm.

“While doing so, a member of the public has had to bring their vehicle to an abrupt stop,” Detective Inspector Baldwin says.

“This vehicle was a white Toyota ute with a black sports bar attached on the back, heading in a westerly direction towards the Meadowbank Shops from College Road.

“I would like to stress that the occupants of this white ute are witnesses, and they are not involved in the homicide.”

Police urge those occupants to come forward.

“I’m confident that someone will remember being cut off while they drove along St Johns Road,” Detective Inspector Baldwin says.

“I urge any occupants of that vehicle to contact us as you may have crucial information to our investigation.”

•  Investigation continues:

Meanwhile, Police are still piecing together the victim’s movements throughout Saturday.

Police can confirm the victim had purchased items from a nearby supermarket at around 9.40pm.

He then walked on foot to the bus shelter on St Johns Road, about 400 metres away, before the assault occurred just before 10pm.

Detective Inspector Baldwin says: “The victim was subjected to a senseless attack, leaving him with multiple head injuries.

“No one should be subjected to the appalling level of violence that the victim suffered on Saturday night.

“As yet, the weapon used in the assault has not been located.”

Detective Inspector Baldwin says Police are keeping an open mind about why the attack occurred.

“We have had a number of people contact us in recent days with information, and the investigation team are working through this with some urgency.

“I acknowledge them for coming forward, and I continue to ask anyone with additional information to get in touch.”

• The victim:

Police are not yet in a position to formally release the victim’s name.

“We are still working through the formal identification process with the Coroner’s Office and are speaking to his family who live overseas,” Detective Inspector Baldwin says.

“The family are still in the process of notifying loved ones of what has occurred.

“It’s the news no one should have to receive, so out of respect for them I won’t be releasing further information today.”

• Police seeking sightings of vehicle of interest:

Police would still like any information on a black SUV that was at the scene and left at speed following the fatal attack.

“This vehicle came to a stop near the bus shelter, with at least two offenders exiting the vehicle,” Detective Inspector Baldwin says.

“There is possibly a third offender and or other occupants may have been driving this vehicle at the time, and this is forming part of the investigation.”

The vehicle fled the scene at speed towards College Road.

Anyone who saw this vehicle around the St Johns area on Saturday night is asked to contact Police.

Please contact Police online or call 105 using the reference number 250419/9858.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source:

Media are advised that Police will hold a stand-up this afternoon regarding the ongoing homicide investigation in St Johns.

Detective Inspector Glenn Baldwin will speak to media at the scene on St Johns Road, at 1.30pm.

We ask those media interested in attending to RSVP to media@police.govt.nz so we know who to expect.

We will advise if there are any changes to timings.

If you have issues, you can contact 021 191 3315.

ENDS

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source:

Emergency services are in attendance at a two-vehicle crash on Western Bay Road – SH 32 – reported shortly before midday, which has blocked the road at Waihaha on the western side of Lake Taupo.

Indications are there are serious injuries involved, and a helicopter has been dispatched to the scene.

A diversion is expected at Whangamata Road, but motorists are asked to expect delays.

ENDS

Source:

Motorists are asked to avoid the intersection of Mill and Ulster Streets in Whitiora, Hamilton, this morning, after a crash has left one person seriously injured.

Police were called to the crash, involving a vehicle and a cyclist, about 5.55am. 

Traffic management will be in place. 

Motorists should take an alternate route, or expect delays.

ENDS 

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source:

State Highway One, near Greta Valley, is blocked following a three-vehicle crash this afternoon.

Emergency services were called to the crash between Scargill Valley Road and Motunau Beach Road at around 4.20pm.

One person is reported to have critical injuries at this time.

The road is blocked, and motorists are advised to avoid the area if possible and expect delays.

ENDS

Source:

Tomoana Road is closed following a serious crash this afternoon in Hastings.

Police were called to a crash at the intersection of Tomoana Road and Williams Street at around 12.40pm.

Initial indications suggest there are serious injuries.

The road is closed, and diversions are in place.

Motorists are advised to follow diversions and expect delays.

ENDS

Source:

Clinton Highway/State Highway 1 is closed following a crash involving a truck and trailer unit at Waiwera South this afternoon.

The driver has suffered minor injuries.

Diversions are in place although they are currently not suitable for heavy vehicles.

Motorists are advised to expect delays.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Team

Source:

Emergency services are at the scene of a serious crash that has blocked Canning Road at Camberley, Hastings.

About 2pm, a motorcycle carrying two riders crashed between Hapia Street and Orchard Road, and then collided with a member of the public on the footpath.

Two people have serious injuries while a third has critical injuries.

The Serious Crash Unit has been notified and cordons are in place.

Members of the public are asked to avoid the area.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre