The man found dead at Taieri Court on Thursday 6 August, 2015 has now been formally identified as 26-year-old Samuel Peter Culling (also known as Samuel Badawi) of Palmerston North.
Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Sheridan says: “A post mortem conducted yesterday revealed Samuel died a violent death, and we are unable to provide any further details on the nature of the injury or how it was inflicted as this information is sensitive to our ongoing inquiries.”
“The scene examination has yielded some valuable information. It is possible that Samuel may have been killed at an unknown location before being transported to Taieri Court and left there.
“This is where we need anyone who saw any suspicious people or vehicles in the West Street area between 10pm on Wednesday 5 August, and 7am on Thursday 6 August to contact Police.
“In the past 48 hours we have made some good progress with our area inquires, however we still have much work to do and the investigation team is working hard to identify and locate whoever is responsible for Samuel’s death.”
A team of 20 officers are working on the investigation and area inquiries are ongoing.
Officers are supporting and speaking with Samuel’s family and friends to establish his movements before his death.
“Police are looking into Samuel’s movements in the days leading up to his death and we want to speak with anyone who had any contact, or saw Samuel in the past few weeks. It is vital they contact police so we can gather as much information as possible.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Operation West inquiry team on (06) 351 3885. Information can also be provided anonymously to the organisation Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
Note to media: Samuel’s family have asked for privacy at this time and Police seek the support of media in respecting their request for privacy as they grieve.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Sara Stavropoulos on 027 702 0850.