Nearly two years after she was found dead in Waikowhai Reserve, Hillsborough, Police investigating the murder of Katrina Jefferies have announced a $50,000 reward for material information or evidence that leads to the identity and conviction of anyone responsible for her death.
The Commissioner of Police will determine the amount of the reward and will, if necessary, apportion payment where there is more than one claimant.
Immunity from prosecution will be considered for any accomplice to her murder - not the principal offender - who first gives such evidence or information.
Officer in charge of Operation Waikowhai, Detective Senior Sergeant Gerry Whitley, says the reward offer comes at an appropriate time in the investigation, nearly two years after the 22 year-old Mt Roskill mother was found discarded amongst tarpaulins and some household items.
"The investigation team is determined to solve the mystery around Katrina's murder and today's announcement is just one more step towards achieving that aim," Mr Whitley said.
"I sincerely believe there are more than a few people in the neighbourhood where Katrina lived on Whitmore Rd, who know something about what happened to her on the night of Monday July 11, 2005. We'd love to hear from all or some of them so that we can progress this investigation for Katrina's sake as well as her son's and mother's."
The operation 0800 number - 0800 924 569 - has been active for the past two years and will be manned again this week in the hope vital information about Katrina's brutal death will be forthcoming.
ENDS
Issued by Noreen Hegarty
Auckland City Police Communications Manager
Ph 09 302 6947 or 0274-951-589
Website: www.police.govt.nz