The following statement is attributable to Masterton Area Manager of Investigations Senior Sergeant Barry Bysouth:
Masterton Police continuing to investigate the death of Lawziah Karaitiana in the early hours of Saturday 7 May are appealing directly to the driver involved to come forward.
Lawziah was found on Castlepoint Road near McLaughlin Drive around 4:30am.
We urge anyone travelling in the area aound that time that can help Police identify the driver of the vehicle we believe struck Lawziah, to share that information with us.
Police also keen to speak to everyone who drove past McLaughlin Drive between 1:30 and 4:30am last Saturday, to eliminate them from our enquiries.
“I firmly believe that the person who was driving this vehicle knew they had struck someone at the time of the incident,” says Senior Sergeant Barry Bysouth.
“To that person - I ask you to dig deep, unburden yourself by coming forward and speaking with Police.”
If you live in the Tīnui and Castlepoint areas, and have noticed recent damage to a vehicle or suspicious activity, we encourage you to report it to Police.
“You may have a small piece of the puzzle which ends up being the critical information we need to identify the vehicle involved, or the person who was driving at the time.”
Police would appreciate the opportunity to give Lawziah’s family some answers about his death.
If you have information that relates, contact Masterton Police on 105 and quote 220507/6865.
Alternatively, information can be given anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre