A woman found dead outside Pohlen Hospital in Matamata early yesterday morning can now be identified as 18-year-old Jovaan Rahera Graham from Tauranga.
Jovaan was found by security staff around 4am. Police are working on the belief that she was struck by a car on SH29. The driver of the vehicle was then abducted and assaulted prior to the woman's body being left outside the hospital. A post mortem will be carried out later today which is expected to confirm how she died.
A media appeal yesterday for sightings of a stolen Nissan and the Toyota Prado involved in the crash and abduction has resulted in a positive public response.
A number of people have come forward with relevant information but police are still keen to hear from two trucks drivers who were travelling along SH29 at approximately 3am when the victim of the abduction attempted to flag them down.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Tauranga Police on 07 577 4300. Alternatively information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 027 234 8256.