Monday, 21 May 2012 - 2:46pm |
National News

Police believe Derek Round knew his killer

1 min read

It is likely that Derek Round had previous contact with the person or persons who killed him says Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Kirby of Whanganui CIB.

"From our inquiry to date we believe the offender was in contact with Derek in the days leading up to his death - either by phone, text or in person"

"Because of this we want to hear from anyone who had dealings with Derek in the week before he was violently attacked.

"Did you speak to Derek or communicate in some way with him? Even if you don't feel you have relevant information please contact us.

"We also believe the clothing we've been searching for since Thursday was worn by the person or persons who killed Derek.

"At the moment I can't go into how we know but it's why we need to locate this clothing - a red long sleeved jersey or sweatshirt, a black leather sleeveless vest, dark coloured stonewashed jeans, dark fingerless gloves, and a pair of dark coloured sports shoes with white around the soles and coloured laces."

Police have also been carrying out forensic examination of a property at Field Street in the Whanganui suburb of Aramoho.

"We believe the person or persons responsible drove Derek's Jaguar car to this property at some point between last Wednesday evening and Thursday morning.

"We are talking to neighbours in the area but we still need to hear from anyone who saw this distinctive 1996 blue Jaguar XJ6 in that timeframe around Whanganui.

"Please contact Whanganui police station on 06 349 0600 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you prefer to remain anonymous.

"The pieces of this puzzle are slowly coming together and I remain very confident that, with the help of the public, we will get who was responsible for Derek's death" said Mr Kirby.

END

Media contact in Whanganui: Grant Ogilvie 027 236 9974