The investigation into missing Massey man Jayden Mamfredos-Nair is now a homicide inquiry, police say.
Waitematā CIB Detective Inspector Callum McNeill said Mamfredos-Nair was 19 years old when he was reported missing on 24 April, 2023 and in the time he had been missing, had turned 20.
"Jayden's last known sighting was at this location in Birdwood Reserve on Birdwood Road… at 8.45pm on Friday, 21 April, 2023. Since that time Jayden has not been seen by his family or friends, and this is of great concern to obviously them and to the New Zealand Police.
"Since he has been missing he has had his 20th birthday. Police have kept an open mind during this investigation, but as time has gone on, our concerns - and the concerns of the family - have increased.
"He has not touched bank accounts, social media, telephone, anything. It's highly unusual for him not to be in contact with his family and [not] celebrate his 20th birthday."
The Operation Violin investigation team had made appeals for information and the team had spoken to a large number of people, McNeill said.
"They've carried out area canvasses, CCTV phases ... and a number of search warrants across North and West Auckland. I'm afraid that the evidence to this point leads me to believe we are now investigating a homicide, and that Jayden is the victim of foul play.
Callum McNeill Photo: RNZ / Finn Blackwell
"Jayden's mum and dad ... They're still coming to terms with what has happened to their beloved boy.
"We need to find Jayden. We need to provide some closure to Jayden's family. Today I'm renewing our appeal to the community, to the public, for information that will help us find Jayden and that will help us hold those to account, who are responsible for Jayden's disappearance.
"We are obviously interested in Jayden's movements at this location, on this street, on Friday, 21 April, 2023 at around 8.45pm. We know 45 minutes earlier he was on Lincoln Rd at a service station… so within 45 minutes of being on Lincoln Road he is at this location. We know from our investigation and from CCTV taken from around this area that Jayden has met two associates. Jayden has got into their vehicle and has left this area with them. That is the last time anyone has seen Jayden alive - with these two individuals."
The vehicle that he left in was a black 2022 Toyota Hilux utility without a canopy, which police have now seized. Police had identified the two associates, who were both men. The Hilux did not belong the the two men and had been searched and returned to its owner.
"They (the two associates) are known to us, we have spoken to them. They have links to the Head Hunters gang and they are not cooperating with the police."
One of them had a "a long-standing association with Jayden" but police would not gone into details.
"We have had statements taken from parties, but not everyone is cooperating with the police. As you can imagine, sometimes when it involves gang members - especially the Head Hunters - they don't exactly tell us the truth."
Asked if it was a drug deal gone wrong, McNeill said: "That is definitely something we are investigating, absolutely".
"Jayden was well-known in the West Auckland community, and I'm desperate to seek answers to his disappearance and help get some closure for Jayden's family. For those people out there that might know something about Jayden's disappearance, I want you to forget those allegiances that you may have with those people - now is the time to come forward and give police whatever information you have… If you have any information at all in relation to Jayden's disappearance or those responsible for it, please contact the police on 105 or anonymously on Crime Stoppers - 0800 555 111."
Mamfredos-Nair was last seen wearing a black and white jacket, navy blue pants, grey running shoes, and a black hat.
McNeill read out a statement from the family: "We ... are deeply concerned and distraught over his disappearance… our hearts ache with worry and we are deeply concerned for his wellbeing and safety. Jayden is a cherished member of our family and we are desperately seeking a safe return for him… please help us bring our boy home. We ask that you keep Jayden in your thoughts and prayers, and we are grateful for your support during this incredibly difficult time."
Photo: Supplied