Police are continuing a forensic examination of a Lower Hutt property today as the investigation team pieces together the events leading up to the discovery of Matthew Stevens’ body on Pakakariki Hill Road last Friday.
Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Sears says “It is too early to say if Mr Stevens has been at the property but we believe it was intention to visit the property after he left his home address at around 10.00pm on Thursday night.”
“Today we are releasing CCTV images of Mr Stevens at Countdown on High Street in Lower Hutt where he has purchased some alcohol at around 10.30pm. We are hoping these images will help jog people’s memories and that they’ll be able to assist us with where Mr Stevens went after this.”
“We are in the process of reviewing the forensic results of his vehicle and at this stage don’t believe that he was killed inside his vehicle.”
Anyone who has seen Mr Stevens or his white Toyota Corolla, registration RZ1852, after 10.00pm on Thursday 27 November should call 04 381 2000 and ask for the Operation Vintage investigation team. Alternatively information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
Please note that Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Sears will be available for a short media standup at 3.00pm at the Lower Hutt Police Station, 19 Kings Crescent, Lower Hutt. No further updates will be provided ahead of the media standup.
For media queries contact Nick Bohm, Wellington District Communications Manager, on 021 192 1816.
