Drugs, gangs a part of Fleet deaths investigation
Police have not ruled out drugs and gang involvement in the deaths of Raymond and James Fleet, whose bodies were found in dense bush near Rotorua.
James Fleet, 25, was last seen about 6.30pm on August 7 when he left his grandmother’s house, where he was living. His uncle, 51, went missing about the same time.
Police confirmed yesterday two bodies found in the Mamaku Forest on Thursday evening, “some distance” from their homes, were believed to be those of the missing pair
Rotorua area commander Anaru Pewhairangi said yesterday options were being kept open in all areas of the investigation into the men’s deaths.
“It’s still very early in the investigation. We’re still piecing together what has occurred here.”
He said drugs and gangs would form “part and parcel” of the investigation, adding he didn’t have sufficient information to confirm whether drugs had been found at a Mamaku house searched earlier in the week.
The cause of their deaths would not be established until after postmortem examinations were carried out today. Pewhairangi also wouldn’t specify what injuries the pair had suffered or what led police to the area they were found in.
Pewhairangi said the “lovely” family was struggling to come to terms with what had happened.
“They’re hurting, devastated. This is a family’s worst nightmare in my view.
“I can assure the public police are doing everything we can to provide answers to the whanau and wider community.”
The Mamaku forest was being searched yesterday and a team of 30 officers were working to piece together the pair’s movements in days leading up to their disappearance.
Pewhairangi said police were particularly interested in hearing from anyone with information about their movements between August 4 and 9.
“This type of incident is rare in Rotorua.
“Our focus right now is to establish exactly what had happened.”
Police could not yet say whether anyone else was being sought in relation to the deaths but said there was no risk to the wider public.
Anyone with information can call Rotorua police on 07 349 9400 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.