Detective Inspector Geoff Baber says the victim was killed about 10 days before his body was found.
Photo: RNZ / Blessen Tom
Tasman police remain confident that a nearly three-decade old murder can be solved after reopening the cold case.
A homicide investigation was launched on 28 December 1998 after the body of 25-year-old David John Robinson was found on a remote West Coast beach near Ross.
Detective Inspector Geoff Baber said police have been canvassing the Kakapotahi area this week and had found new lines of enquiry to follow up on.
“It was just a review that was done and a general feeling that when we looked at it, this is solvable. This is something that is solvable. This is something we can get answers to David’s family,” he said.
“No case that’s unresolved is ever closed and from time-to-time we do check and review homicides that have not been solved, with the aim of seeing whether there’s capacity for us to move it, progress it forward and get some answers.
“You just never know what may turn up when you start talking to people again, even after 26 years.”
The case had been reopened to give them fresh eyes, and was due to a periodic review, not new evidence, he said.
“David’s father died a few years ago so unfortunately he is never going to find out what the story was behind his son’s death,” Baber said.
“But his mother has never given up hope and is very pleased that we are actually following through, having another look and seeing what we can do to try and provide those answers.”
Robinson was killed roughly 10 days before his body was discovered, he said.
Baber said Several of Robinson’s possessions were found scattered across the beach, indicating he had likely been staying in the area before he died.
Police eventually scaled back their investigation after extensive enquiries, including interviewing several people in the community and conducting searches of nearby beach, bush, and river areas.
“The investigation has been periodically reviewed and police continue to make additional enquiries over the years.
“I want David’s family and the community to know we will not give up. Police are determined to find out what happened in this small rural community, shortly before Christmas over 26 years ago.”
Police would continue canvassing the Kakapotahi area in the coming weeks.
Baber urged anyone with information that could help solve the cold case to get in touch with police.
“David would have been 51 now, and while his murder was nearly three decades ago his family continue to grieve.
“We know people may not have wanted to previously tell us what they saw or heard, but the passing of time may have changed things for them, and they may see things differently now with regards to David and what happened to him.
“If you do know something, we encourage you to come forward and speak to us – it is not too late to provide David’s family with answers.”
People could email police via the cold case form on their website, or call 105 using the reference case number 231129/2221.
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