Police have completed a further search for missing man Jeremy Robertson south of Rotorua — the only person of interest in the death of his mother, Karen Gilbert-Palmer, in Pahiatua last October.
About 20 police search and rescue staff alongside volunteers conducted a search in the surrounding areas of the carpark at the Blue and Green Lakes lookout, where the vehicle Robertson was using was located.
Since the vehicle Robertson was using arrived at the carpark, there had been no activity on his bank accounts or mobile phone.
Given the facts, police detective Sergeant Richard How said it believes Robertson died shortly after arriving at the Green and Blue lakes areas.
Robertson or any suspected belongings were not located during the search, How added.
"Police remain committed to locating Jeremy if at all possible, to provide the closure that Karen’s loved ones deserve.
"Further smaller scale searches are going to be undertaken in the future."
Police urged the public to contact it with any information which could assist the investigation.
"We’d like to hear from anyone who has previously located any medication packets, or any red or blue clothing in the area surrounding the Lakes, and nearby tracks," How said.
How the case unfolded
Gilbert-Palmer was found dead at her Pahiatua home on October 15 by a friend who had been unable to contact her. A homicide investigation was launched after police was called to the property, with her red Mitsubishi ASX missing from the scene.
The vehicle was found unoccupied the following day at the Blue and Green Lakes lookout on Tarawera Rd, more than 350km from Pahiatua. Police believe Robertson arrived in the area in the car at around 2am, with the vehicle spotted in the carpark from about 8am.
Police publicly named Robertson days later, describing him as "in his 50s and of solid build," and urged the public not to approach him but to call 111 immediately with any sightings. He has not been located since, despite extensive search efforts in the months that followed.
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