Police have reopened a homicide investigation into the suspected murder of David John Robinson, more than 26 years after he was found dead on a remote beach on the West Coast.
The investigation was first launched on 28 December 1998, after the 25-year-old’s body was found on a remote beach on the West Coast near Ross.
Robinson was killed around 10 days before his body was found, Detective Inspector Geoff Baber said.
During its initial investigation, police found Robinson’s possessions scattered across the beach, which suggested he had likely been staying in the area before he died.
An “extensive” investigation was launched, which saw police interview several people in the community and conduct searches of the nearby beach, bush, and river areas.
Eventually, it was “scaled back”.
Since then, the probe has “been periodically reviewed, and police continue to make additional enquiries over the years,” Barber said.
âI want Davidâs family and the community to know we will not give up â Police are determined to find out what happened in this small rural community shortly before Christmas over 26 years ago.â
Barber said police were canvasing the Kakapotahi area this week, with enquiries expected to continue over the coming days and weeks.
âWe 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.
âIf you do know something, we encourage you to come forward and speak to us â it is not too late to provide Davidâs family with answers.â
Anyone with information is being asked to call 105.
