Source: Radio New Zealand
Brendon and Trina Cole were found dead at a rural property in Ruatiti last December. SUPPLIED
A semi-automatic shotgun remains missing from the property of Brendon and Trina Cole who were found dead at their Ruatiti home last December.
The bodies of 56-year-old Brendon Leigh Cole and 54-year-old Trina Michelle Cole were found at a rural property in Ruatiti, west of Ruapehu, on December 13.
No charges had been laid in relation to their deaths.
Field crime manager CIB Central District detective inspector Gerard Bouterey said the weapon should have been at the Murumuru Rd address, but was not found during the initial scene examination or subsequent searches.
Brendon and Trina Cole were found dead at their property on Murumuru Rd, Ruatiti. (File photo) Google Maps / Screenshot
Police previously believed an occupant of the address had this shotgun in their possession, he said.
“However, the firearm has still not been accounted for, and we are now seeking information on its whereabouts.
“We believe this semi-automatic shotgun may have been altered to have the end of the barrel cut down and is likely to have been discarded in the Murumuru Rd, Parinui, or Ruatiti areas.
“Alternatively, it may have been left in or near a hut or rural structure.”
Bouterey asked if a member of the public found the gun in or around these areas, or had any knowledge of where it might be, not to touch it and instead to contact police.
In addition, if anyone had knowledge of guns that belonged to the people living at 470 Murumuru Rd who hadn’t spoken to police, they were urged to do so.
Detective Inspector Bouterey said police continued to make steady progress in the investigation.
“And while there are aspects of the investigation that cannot be discussed, police want to reassure the community that significant work is ongoing.”
He thanked members of the public who had already spoken with investigators and provided statements or otherwise supported the investigation.
“The cooperation shown by the community has been invaluable, and we acknowledge the effort it takes to come forward in what remains a difficult and distressing matter.
“We know individuals who hold information that could assist the investigation have not yet spoken to police, and the information you hold could help provide answers to two families who are grieving.
“To those people, we urge you to reconsider and contact us.”
Bouterey said even information that might seem minor or insignificant could be critical in progressing the investigation.
“We continue to follow all lines of inquiry and carefully assess information as it is received.
“We are committed to ensuring the safety of the wider community and at this stage, there is no information to suggest any ongoing risk to the general public.”
In January a man, who turned himself in to police on Christmas Day in relation to the ongoing double homicide investigation, pleaded not guilty to two unrelated charges.
The 29-year-old man’s identity was suppressed for legal reasons.
Information for police could be provided through 105, either online or over the phone, referencing file number 251213/6207 or Operation Murumuru.
Alternatively, people could provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
