‘People of interest’ have left region
‘‘People of interest’’ in a Marlborough homicide case have fled the region, as investigations into Jessica Boyce’s disappearance approach the one-year mark.
Police are monitoring several people, and last week seized a black Mazda ute from a Blenheim property for forensic analysis, although police say the owner is not a person of interest.
Boyce’s cousin, Aaron Goodwin, said the developments had given him a boost. Boyce, 27, was last seen alive, in a red ute in Renwick, on March 19 last year.
‘‘The fact they are still finding things this far along is very encouraging,’’ Goodwin said.
‘‘We know they are working extremely hard.’’
Detective Senior Sergeant Ciaran Sloan told Stuff the case, now known as ‘‘Operation Largo’’, was still an active focus for eight police staff. Several people of interest to police had left Marlborough over the past year, ‘‘possibly in the mistaken belief this will help them avoid police attention’’, Sloan said.
Police had also sifted through a ‘‘significant amount of misinformation’’, including the abandonment of the red ute at Lake Chalice in the Mt Richmond Forest Park. But police were still methodically working through all tipoffs, Sloan said. Police searched four properties in October,
and properties in Warwick St and Henderson St in Blenheim in November. Forensic samples and items of interest had been seized at each property and police were still waiting on some results, Sloan said.
The Warwick St property was raided a second time in December, with police finding evidence of a clandestine lab. ‘‘We remain absolutely focused on resolving this case and providing answers for Jessica’s family and loved ones,’’ Sloan said.
Boyce’s uncle, Brent Boyce, said her family would be gathering in Blenheim this weekend.
It had been a ‘‘very tough year’’ for Boyce’s family and friends. They had gone from thinking she was ‘‘wandering lost’’, to accepting the case becoming a homicide inquiry.
Anyone with information about Jessica Boyce’s disappearance should contact Marlborough police on 03 578 5279, or anonymously call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.