A person seen on CCTV footage walking on the main street in Tirau is being sought by police investigating the brutal murder of local woman Roma Joseph.
The 58-year-old much loved grandmother and mother died in a fire at her Little Street, Tirau, home between 3am and 3.30am on Monday 1 May, 2017.
Police believe Roma was seriously assaulted before the fire was lit at the address.
On Police Ten 7 tonight, detectives released details of the footage from the Caltex Tirau service station of a person seen walking north on State Highway One in Tirau at about 3.18am. They are asking this person to come forward to see if they have any information which will help the investigation.
Detective Senior Sergeant Matt Cranshaw, Area Manager: Investigations, Taupo, said that Police are not suggesting this person was involved in Roma’s death.
“The fact that they were in Tirau at the critical time may mean they can provide information that is useful to this inquiry."
Detective Senior Sergeant Cranshaw said that neighbours in the area were alerted by activity.
“A series of thumps were heard coming from Roma’s house. One person was seen walking along Little Street away from the address, another was seen up by the front door.”
Shortly afterwards a silver four door sedan was seen reversing out of the driveway before driving off towards Bear Street.
The family are seeking answers into Roma’s callous and senseless death.
“Roma was a tiny woman in her late 50’s. She was violently killed in her own home in the early hours of the morning. Those responsible for this cowardly and brutal murder need to be held to account,” Detective Senior Sergeant Cranshaw said.
“It’s really important that people come forward with any information they have whatsoever on the silver sedan or the people seen at and near Roma’s place or on State Highway One on the morning of 1 May.
“We urge those people with information about this shocking death to do the right thing and tell us what they know.”
People can watch the Police Ten 7 segment again on the Police Ten 7 Facebook page.
If you have information, you can also contact the investigation team direct on 0800 766 211.
Images are attached of Roma Joseph and CCTV footage from Caltex Tirau can be seen here.
ENDS
Police Media Centre
Media note: A copy of the CCTV footage is available. Please email media@police.govt.nz
