Tasman Police are following a new lead in their investigation into the 1998 execution-style murder of David John Robinson.
Police say the lead is believed to be the last sighting of David (pictured) prior to his death.
The homicide investigation was launched on 28 December 1998 after 25-year-old David’s body was located on a remote West Coast beach near Ross. The investigation remained open but unresolved, until Police reopened the investigation in mid-February.
“We have spoken with a witness who reports they saw David on a street corner at the northern end of Bold Head Road near Kakapotahi, a day before the single reported gunshot was heard through the area between 14 and 18 December,” said Detective Inspector Geoff Baber.
“They have also reported seeing David in the passenger seat of a green coloured 4×4 vehicle travelling in the settlement hours following the street corner sighting.”
Police say this information is crucial, as David’s last movements were never confirmed in the original investigation.
“We now have a better understanding of his whereabouts and can confirm he was in the Kakapotahi area in the lead up to his death,” says Det Insp Baber.
Before the new information came to light, the last confirmed sighting of David was in the beginning of November 1998 when he was arrested by Police in Haast for theft.
“We have a responsibility in helping David’s family find the truth behind his death, and this information brings us closer to doing so.”
“If you know who may have owned or drove a green coloured 4×4 vehicle around 1998 in the Kakapotahi and Ross areas, please do not hesitate to contact the investigation team.
I”t is not too late to provide David’s family with answers – if you know something, we encourage you to come forward and speak with us,” said Det Insp Baber.
If you have information that could help Police’s investigation, email us via the Cold Case form on the New Zealand Police website, or call 105 and reference the case number 231129/2221.
