Operation Darlia, the most recent two year Police investigation into the 1993 disappearance and murder of 17 year-old Jane Furlong, has been wound down.
Staff who have worked on the homicide investigation since Jane's remains were discovered at Port Waikato's Sunset Beach on May 19, 2012, have been redeployed to other duties.
Officer in charge of the investigation, Detective Inspector Mark Benefield, says the homicide file will remain open but, as of June 30, Jane's murder will no longer be actively investigated unless new information comes to Police.
"Staff have committed thousands of hours and have progressed the investigation well beyond where it was prior to Jane being unexpectedly found two years ago.
"We have explored hundreds of theories and a number of leads and I am confident that, if we get the right information from the right people in due course, we will be able to tell Jane's family who was responsible for her disappearance and death.
"I'm very proud of the work the Operation Darlia team has done over the past two years and take this opportunity to publicly thank all those who have dedicated their investigative skills to trying to solve the mystery that surrounds Jane Furlong."
Mr Benefield also paid tribute to the contributions of the media who have shown a keen interest in keeping Jane's story alive while Police investigated her death. The 0800 number - 0800 675 263 - will remain operational for some weeks.
Judith Furlong, Jane's mother, was informed of the impending wind down of Operation Darlia midway through last month when she expressed her appreciation of the Police efforts.
Following standard Police procedure, the Operation Darlia phase of the investigation will be summarised over the coming few months after which time it will be peer reviewed.
ENDS
Issued by Noreen Hegarty
Auckland City Police Communications Manager
Ph 0274-951-589
Website: www.police.govt.nz