The only suspect in the death of a woman - her son - in a small Manawatū-Whanganui town last year is 'most likely' dead, police say.
Karen Gilbert-Palmer, 74, was found dead at her home on Arthur Street in Pahiatua on October 15.
Following her death, Gilbert-Palmer's son, Jeremy Robertson, was identified as a person of interest.
"Police can now confirm that Jeremy is considered the only person of interest in this matter, and that nobody else is being sought," Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Thompson said.
He left the Pahiatua shortly after his mother's death, travelling to the Green and Blue Lakes area in Rotorua by car.
The vehicle was found abandoned, and despite an "extensive search" Robertson could not be found.
Since he arrived in the area, police said there had been no activity on his bank accounts ot mobile phone.
"There has been no evidence found to suggest he was living rough in the area," Thompson said.
"Given these facts, alongside the passage of time, police can now advise we believe the most likely scenario is that he died shortly after arriving in the Green and Blue Lakes area."
Thompson said that investigators remained committed to finding the man "if at all possible" so Gilbert-Palmer's family and loved ones could be given closure.
With the help of Rotorua police, investigators planned to search a "smaller, more concentrated" area of the Green and Blue Lakes. This would utilise specialist search teams and equipment.
Thompson thanked members of the public who came foward with sightings of Robertson.
"It is important to note that while the investigation team do believe it is strongly likely Jeremy died shortly after arriving in the Green and Blue Lakes area, we do still want to hear from anyone who believes they may have seen him at any time since 15 October 2025, or anyone with information which could be relevant to the investigation."
Those who may have seen the man were asked to call the police on 105.
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