Police say Korrey Whyman was shot in the Bay of Plenty in a vehicle travelling on State Highway 33. Photo: Supplied / Police
Police say Korrey Whyman was murdered, and six months on, although they've already charged one man, they say others were involved and will be found.
Detective Inspector Lindsay Pilbrow said it was almost exactly 6 months from the day Whyman was shot in a vehicle, as she was travelling on State Highway 33 to Mourea on the shore of Lake Rotorua.
It was early morning on 25 September. The 28-year-old was rushed to hospital, but died from her head injuries.
Pilbrow said police were closing in on those who took part in the events that led to Whyman being killed, and called on anyone who knew anything about what happened to "speak up", so Whyman could have justice.
Two weeks after Whyman's death, a burnt-out Toyota Hilux king-cab ute was found. It had been lit on fire "in a secluded reserve area in rural Kawerau" two days after Whyman was shot, and was believed to have been used by those involved.
"This week, strong lines of enquiry led a specialist police search team to a location near Lake Rotoiti, looking for specific items related to the homicide," Pilbrow said.
"An area along State Highway 30 and a large forest area behind properties of interest were searched."
Pilbrow said a team of investigators had received a lot of information from the public.
Police are seeking information about this blue Toyota Hilux and its movements in September last year Photo: Supplied / Police
In mid-November last year, police said a 30-year-old man from Rotoiti was charged with Korrey's murder, and was also expected to face additional firearms charges.
"Police remain committed to finding all those involved in her death and holding them to account.
"There are also people who, after the fact, have protected these individuals and their involvement. We know these people are still in the area, and that we will have spoken to some of them during the investigation.
He said Whyman "was innocent and did not deserve to die". She was a loving mother to three young children, and her life was taken needlessly."
"Six months is a long time to hang on to secrets and the guilt."
The ute was a two-door king-cab Toyota Hilux Photo: Supplied/ Police
Even small pieces of information could help tie the events together.
"You might have information about the shooting, the motor vehicle used, or you might have overheard conversations that were suspicious. That's information we need to know.
"What you think is insignificant could be a critical piece to the puzzle.
"We really want those who know what happened to reach out to us.
Anyone with information was asked to call Police on 105, or to visit their page online at 105.police.govt.nz and quote file number 220925/5119. Information could also be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or on their website.