Auckland Police investigating the violent death of Maqbool Hussain in the suburb of Balmoral on the weekend of March 22 and 23 have a warrant to arrest 28 year-old Justin Vance Turner for his murder.
Turner was identified by Police as a person of interest to the Op Gridley investigation on Friday, March 28 and his picture was distributed to all media that afternoon.
Officer in charge of the investigation, Detective Inspector Chris Cahill, says it's possible Justin Turner was in the southern Wairarapa town of Featherston on Friday night and Saturday morning.
"A man, possibly fitting Justin Turner's description albeit he was clean shaven, was offered and availed himself of accommodation at the rear of a private property in the town.
"A local man had found this person sitting in the main street so he offered the stranger a bed in his unused house bus for the night. He was last seen walking north out of Featherston at about 7 o'clock on Saturday morning.
"We are urging motorists, business and transport operators throughout the North Island and possibly further south to be aware of Justin Turner's description and image and to contact Police immediately if he is seen or encountered.
"Turner has a history of violence and should not be approached. Anyone who thinks they have given him a ride, food or accommodation in the past week should contact the investigation team on 820 5763 or call Police on 111."
Justin Turner is Caucasian with noticeably olive skin, short black hair, brown eyes and comparatively bushy eyebrows. He has a prominent nose, stands 176 cms tall, is of medium build and has a neck tattoo of a dog wearing a spike collar.
Information can also go to e-mail christopher.cahill@police.govt.nz or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
MEDIA NOTE: Photo of Justin Turner is attached to earlier media release, dated 4.30pm, March 28.
Ends
Issued by Noreen Hegarty
Auckland City Police Communications Manager
Ph 09 302 6947 or 0274-951-589
Website: www.police.govt.nz