The mother of murdered teen Jane Furlong spoke to media at Auckland Central Police Station today where she shared some of her memories and thoughts of her daughter.
Judith Furlong said she never expected Jane would ever be found and thought it very "interesting" her remains were found at Port Waikato.
"I realised very soon after she left that she wouldn't be alive," Ms Furlong said.
"Now I would like to see the day when someone - or some people - are brought to justice. No one has the right to take another person's life."
Officers on the Operation Darlia homicide investigation into the 1993 disappearance and death of 17 year-old Jane said the public response to yesterday's news that it was Jane who had been found at Port Waikato's Sunset Beach last month, was hugely encouraging.
"In the first 24 hours of going live with the 'What happened to Jane' Facebook page there were nearly 300 visits to it," Detective Inspector Mark Benefield said.
"I'm told that means nearly three times that number had viewed the information on it through their respective links to the initial viewers.
"We are encouraged by the response also to the dedicated e-mail address - furlong@police.govt.nz - and to the 0800 675 263 number.
"This investigation will progress on the basis of new information and reassessed historical information in the context of the discovery of Jane's burial place at Port Waikato."
Judith Furlong said although a long time had passed since 1993, she remembers the time Jane went missing "as if it was yesterday". She said her daughter would be given a proper burial when her remains were returned to the family.
ENDS
Issued by Noreen Hegarty
Auckland City Police Communications Manager
Ph 09 302 6947 or 0274-951-589
Website: www.police.govt.nz
Follow on Twitter with #janefurlong
