New Zealand Police Alert 15:00 16-01-2008 Southern

Location of incident: Balclutha

Incident Type: Balclutha homicide

PRESS RELEASE NO 7

16 JANUARY 2008 1600 hours

Police involved in the homicide investigation following the death of Michael Anthony HUTCHINGS, 18 years, have released details of a vehicle parked at his residence which may have some significance to the investigation.

Mr Hutchings' body was found on Saturday 12th January dumped in the Clutha River, wrapped in a mattress cover and tied to two steel bars.

Investigation head Detective Inspector Ross Pinkham said that a 1988 Mitsubishi Magna GLX station wagon coloured blue had been parked at Hutchings address of Old Coach Road, Kaitangata. Police have spent today working with Forensic Scientists from the ESR to determine if the vehicle has some connection with the death of Mr Hutchings.

The police are seeking information from the public as to the movements of this vehicle.

The examination of the house at Old Coach Road continues and the examination today has revealed further traces of blood in several areas of the house.

It is too early to determine whether the house is the location where Mr Hutchings received two wounds to his body.

Mr Pinkham said that a photograph of the station wagon is available for distribution.

The homicide investigative team continues with the house examination and also the enquiries to determine where the two steel bars, used to weigh Hutchings body down in the river, originate from.

Also available for distribution is a photograph of the rope used to secure Mr Hutchings body to the steel bars. This black nylon braid cord (approximately 12 metres in length and 6mm in diameter) is also the subject of investigation to determine its origins.

Mr Pinkham says that interviews of Mr Hutchings' associates are continuing and a clearer picture of Michael's movements is becoming evident.

Michael's body was released to his family by the Coroner yesterday.

Ross Pinkham

Detective Inspector

Operation Hawk

Balclutha

ENDS

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