Finding answers for Palmiro Macdonald’s family is paramount as police continue to investigate his disappearance, says Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Baskett, Central District Organised Crime.
“From the beginning of our investigation, police have known there has been something not quite right with Palmiro’s disappearance, which did lead police to launch a homicide investigation,” Mr Baskett says.
“The Operation Palm team have been working hard to find Palmiro’s family the answers they need to get some sort of closure.
“On Wednesday 23rd March, Palmiro, who was known as ‘Powser’ to family and friends, and dad to his young children, was picked up from his home address on Gardener Street, Levin by an associate driving a silver and grey 1994 Mercedes Benz 320 saloon. The car had distinctive large chrome wheels. They visited a local garage in Levin. This is the last confirmed sighting of Palmiro.
“After visiting the garage, we believe Palmiro travelled to a Hokio Road address in Hokio Beach with the associate. This was an address Palmiro visited often which leads us to believe Palmiro knew the people involved in his death.
“On the day Police announced our investigation (Saturday 26th March), this Hokio Beach property was burnt down in what we believe was a deliberate act in an attempt to hide evidence.”
Police are making good progress with the investigation, but as we near the six month anniversary of Palmiro’s disappearance, we continue to ask the public to contact them with any sightings of this Mercedes Benz in the Levin or Hokio Beach area in the week leading up to Easter.
Police would also like to speak with any holidaymakers who were visiting the area around the Easter period.
“Police are also interested in another car, a silver 2003 Mazda Atenza station wagon with the registration number FAY329 which has distinctive aftermarket wheels.
“On Friday 25 March, this car was found burnt out in a layby at the intersection of State Highways 56 and 57 just north of Shannon. However, before a tow contractor could uplift the vehicle, it had been removed.
“Police have identified tyre marks from the scene that indicate a tractor or similar large vehicle could have been used to remove the vehicle. .
“We are appealing for anyone who may have seen this Mazda Atenza being dumped, set alight or taken away in those days between Palmiro’s disappearance on the 23rd and the car being found and subsequently taken away around the 25th of March.
“Police are also interested in a red Holden Commodore that became stuck on Waitarere Beach at around midday on Wednesday 23rd March.
“After being helped out of the sand, the Holden was driven to Hokio Beach by a young man and woman. We are very keen to speak with anyone who saw this vehicle around this time.
“We also want to hear from anyone who was in and around the Shannon Dams or Mangahao area over Easter weekend. We are very interested to speak with anyone hunting or holidaying in the area over the weekend to see if they have information which will help us.
“Our priority has always been to find Palmiro and return him to his whanau. I urge that if you have any information, regardless of how small or insignificant you may think it is, please contact the Operation Palm investigators.
“You can do so tonight by calling the Police Ten 7 number on 0800 107 4636 and selecting case number three or by visiting www.police.govt.nz/ten7 to email the team.”
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
