Police have located the dark green Mazda Marvie registration WC9996 at a Turakina address, south of Wanganui which is connected to the disappearance of Raymond Piper, known as Son.
Head of the inquiry, Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Oxnam says the vehicle is undergoing forensic examination and as a result, the investigation into Son's disappearance has been upgraded to a homicide investigation."
DSS Oxnam says, "I can now say that we have evidence that Son's death was violent."
"I am appealing for sightings of this vehicle from Saturday 15 May and every day after that. The vehicle was last seen in the Paraparaumu area on the morning of the 15th."
He says Police are aware the vehicle arrived at the Turakina address between Monday 24 May and midnight Thursday 27 May.
"I know that the people who may have been responsible for Son's violent death are aware that Son's death is causing a lot of anguish for his family. I appeal to anyone with information to come forward to police. I can guarantee your safety.
"I'm also appealing on behalf of Son's whanau and friends for the return of his body so they can have closure and give Son a final resting place.
Anyone with information should phone Police on 0800 FIND RAY or via email findray@police.govt.nz or via text 027 241 1394.
ENDS
Please note, DSS Oxnam will be available for media interviews at Kapiti Police Station at 11am today or for telephone interviews from 11am to 11.30am and again from 3.30pm to 4pm. To advise of your attendance or interview request please phone Senior Media Advisor at PNHQ Kaye Calder on 027 241 6305.