Police are launching a fresh appeal for public help to solve a cold case from more than 40 years ago.
Simon Buis, 54, died in Auckland in 1980. His body was found at Gribblehirst Park outside the rugby club, in the early hours of April 4 that year.
“He suffered horrific injuries to his face and head after being violently assaulted,” police said today.
“Later that morning, two 15-year-olds were arrested for being in a stolen car, and indicated they were involved in a fight at a park.
“The pair were charged with Simon’s murder. However, due to further review of evidence, they were released six days later.”
The homicide probe remains open, under the case name Operation Intrigue.
“Police are determined to find the person or persons responsible for killing the 54-year-old father.”
High-profile Detective Inspector Scott Beard has been in charge of the investigation since 2006.
He believed “the key to this case relies on knowing Simon’s movements in the last hour of his life”.
“We know Simon started his evening at the Leopard Tavern in Freeman’s Bay, where he then made his way to La Cava Lounge on Customs Street East.
“Here, he interacted with at least three different groups of people,” Beard said.
“Simon then called a taxi from La Cava and was dropped off on Symonds St around 2.25am on the Friday morning.
“Around 30 minutes later, a couple heard screaming followed by the sound of a noisy car coming from Gribblehirst Park in Sandringham and called 111.”
Police want to know why Buis went to the park, how he got there, and who he was with.
It’s “unlikely” he walked the distance in the time between being dropped off and his body being found, police added.
“Police have spoken to a number of witnesses who were in Gribblehirst Park earlier in the evening, including the couple who called 111.
“The husband described seeing a light coloured Mark 1 Ford Zephyr, or possibly a large 1950s American car, with a noisy exhaust and rounded body leave the park at speed,” police said.
“Two to three minutes later, a second vehicle, possibly a yellow FJ Holden, left the park in the same direction.
“These cars remain critical to our investigation, and we know there are people who have not yet spoken to police who may have seen what happened or have information about the events around Simon’s death.”
Anyone who could help was urged to call 0800 COLD CASE (0800 2653 2273).
Police wanted to provide Buis’ family with “some closure”, today’s appeal said.
“This was a serious and horrific assault which led to a man’s death. Simon’s family continue to grieve for their loving father and friend,” Beard said.
“If you have any information that could help police’s investigation into Simon Buis’ death, please contact police.
“Now is the time to come forward, it is not too late to provide Simon’s family with answers.”
