Police have confirmed the victim in the Otaika homicide in Northland was shot and are appealing for any footage of the incident.
The man was discovered in a creek after 5am on January 29, adjacent to Otaika Valley Road on State Highway 15.
Detective senior sergeant Shane Pilmer said a postmortem examination of the victim has been completed.
“I can confirm that the victim was shot.
“At this point in the enquiry, we believe the victim has been shot in that layby late on 28 January, between 7pm and 11pm.”
After polices initial appeal for information Pilmer said, “we know now from dashcam footage that there were a number of vehicles parked in the layby prior to the victim arriving on his motorbike.”
“At this point in the enquiry we are not in a position to release further details around the injuries or firearm likely used in this homicide.”
They will be releasing further information about the victim over the coming days and continue to ask the community to make contact if they have any footage or information.
“We’re continuing to support the man’s family as our investigation continues.
“Our focus is on finding answers for the family for how the victim has died in such a violent manner.”
Police were specifically asking for any sightings of a blue and silver coloured road bike which was found parked in the layby area.
“We are particularly interested in any sightings of this bike between 8pm on January 28 through to 5am on January 29,” Pilmer said.
They are also seeking any dashcam or CCTV footage from around the key locations between 7pm on January 28 and 5am on January 29.
“Those areas of interest are along Otaika Valley Road, between the intersections with State Highway 14, Maungatapere, and Loop and Cemetery Roads, in Otaika.”
An online portal has been set up for any footage to be uploaded.
People with any further information could be provided to police by phoning 105 or anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
