Police are on the lookout for "specific critical evidence" investigators believe was taken from the home where Lower Hutt toddler Ruthless-Empire lived before his death in October.
Baby Ru, as he was known, died of blunt force trauma just before his second birthday, and police said the injuries were not an accident.
Police believe three items were "deliberately removed" from the Poole St property and have been "concealed or disposed of".
The items are a Provision-ISR NVR5-8200PX and DRV unit, an Eaton 5E UPS 650VA/360W power backup unit and two NZ outlets, and a swatch of a duvet cover.
"Attempts have been made to clean and alter the crime scene before police arrived," Detective Inspector Nick Pritchard also revealed.
Police are also seeking information about a piece of fabric tied around Ru's neck when he was taken to hospital.
"Although not a direct cause of his death, the fact that such an item was around his neck is incredibly concerning, and we appeal for information from anyone who has seen this item or what it was used for," Pritchard said.
It's understood a grey-green 1994 Nissan Sentra, with a licence plate reading TE6972, was used to dispose of the evidence.
"The Nissan travelled to and from the Poole Street address three times, after Ru was taken to hospital on 22 October and before Police were able to secure the scene."
Pritchard said police are still piecing together a timeline of the movements of those involved and the movement of the Nissan.
"The cooperation of our three people of interest is vital to us understanding the truth of what happened to Baby Ru and ultimately holding those responsible to account," he said.
"I am hugely grateful for everyone who has come forward with information so far, and would also like to thank my team for their dedication and tireless efforts on this case.
"We continue to support the wider whānau, and we know this has been extremely difficult for them.
Anyone with information is being asked to call police on 105.
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