Victim's family address media on anniversary of Paeroa homicide

On the anniversary of the murder of a popular Paeroa businessman, father and friend his family, Waikato Police investigators and the local community have come together to pay their respects for a man gone, but not forgotten.

Detective Sergeant Glenn Tinsley of the Eastern Waikato CIB said on the anniversary of Jordan Voudouris' murder it is fitting that investigators were able to join with his family and the people of Paeroa to reaffirm their committment to solving this case.

"Homicide cases always remain open and Operation Olive, the name given to this investigation, is no different.

"Our investigators will continue to assess information as and when it is received and that is the key thing, to make sure any information you may have is made available to Police for our follow up to help and identify the offender or offenders."

Mr Voudouris former partner, Gwendalyn Richmond, said as the anniversary of her children's father's death had approached it had been a difficult time for the family and her aim was to remain calm, cool and collected for their sake.

In responding to a number of requests from media for comment she repeated requests for the family's privacy to be respected as they worked through what is a difficult time.

Despite this, in recognition of the large amount of public interest in the case, Ms Richmond said the family had agreed to address media queries submitted through the Police and the responses to these are below.
-What role has the community played in supporting you since Mr Voudouris’ death?

The community of Paeroa thought so highly of Jordan that they wanted to keep his shop open. They even tried to raise funds by having a Charity Concert to raise money to buy the shop and held a Memorial Service last year. Now they have planted a lovely garden and unveiled the plaque which we saw for the first time today.

-What special things are you doing to remember him a year on from his death?
Apart from the obvious things like sharing a meal with close family we have a few other special things planed that we would like to keep private.

-How are Mr Voudouris’ children coping without their father?
It’s obviously a difficult time, and the pain of losing Jordan is as raw as it was a year ago.

-How would you like Mr Voudouris to be remembered?
We would like him to be remembered as a happy, kind, generous, caring, loving, and hardworking father and who was a vibrant member of the Paeroa community.

-Do you have a message for the person or people responsible for Mr Voudouris’ murder?
Remember this, like us, a whole community, along with the rest of New Zealand is watching and listening; you can’t run and hide for ever. You will be found and justice will be served.

-How do the family feel about the Police effectively closing the case?
This case is not closed; it is active and will continue to be until (our Pappa's) Jordan’s killer is apprehended.

- How is the family feeling today with it being the memorial of Mr Voudouris’ death?
We are overwhelmed, upset and angry that an essential member of our family who was loved and cherished was taken from us through a meaningless act of murder.

-If you had the opportunity to do so, what message would you like to send to his killer?
No matter how long it takes, Jordan’s murder will not be forgotten. Like us, Paeroa is a community in mourning; you will be found and brought to justice.

-What else can the community do to assist the inquiry?
Paeroa may never be the same happy, trusting, friendly town it once was until Jordan’s killer has been brought to justice. We believe the community of Paeroa have done and will continue to do everything they can to assist the inquiry, and like us, will never give up on finding Jordan’s killer.

Mr Tinsley said Waikato Police believed that given the extensive ground work already completed, the key to unlocking this case could be only a phone call away.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Paeroa Police on 07 862 8744 or by contacting the Operation Olive Facebook site; www.facebook.com/PaeroaPoliceJordanVoudourisHomicide or the Operation Olive reward phone, 027 6753054.

Alternatively information can be left anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

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