Police investigating the unexplained death of Daniel Bindner, whose body was discovered in a cardboard bale in a Hamilton recycling factory last Tuesday, believe the death was a tragic accident.
“We have been conducting extensive inquiries into the circumstances surrounding Mr Bindner’s death and at this point we have not found any evidence to suggest that the death was suspicious,” says Detective Inspector Hywel Jones.
“We know that he had recently been sleeping rough and indications are that he most likely climbed into a waste bin in Te Awamutu to seek shelter on Tuesday 21 June. We believe a recycling truck has collected the bin the following morning and Mr Bindner died at some point in the recycling process.
“At this point we consider Mr Bindner’s death to likely be a tragic accident however we are still continuing our investigation and viewing extensive CCTV footage to try and confirm Mr Bindner’s final movements since he was last sighted at the Te Awamutu McDonald’s at 11.04pm on Tuesday 21 June.
“While we believe he likely sought shelter in a waste bin in the early hours of that Tuesday morning we would still like to hear from anyone who may have seen him around or after 11.04pm that night.
“When we are satisfied that all areas of the investigation have been exhausted we will likely be referring the matter to the Coroner.
“Our sympathies go out to Mr Bindner’s family at this time. Police have provided support to the driver of the recycling truck.”
Anyone who may have had sightings of Mr Bindner, or information that may help the investigation, can contact Waikato Police on 07 858 6200 or they can provide information anonymously to the organisation Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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Kim Chambers 021 911 967 / NZ Police