Operation Manu – Police Release New Information

Crime of the week on tonight's television show Police Ten-7 will feature the homicide investigation into 32 year-old Lee Ross McMurdo's death at his State Highway 16 Helensville address some time between July 26 and 29.

A team of 25 investigators lead by Detective Inspector Greg Cramer of Waitemata Police has carried out hundreds of inquiries but Mr Cramer concedes the circumstances of Lee's murder are baffling.

“At this stage, this is a true whodunit so we're hoping that, by featuring it on Police Ten-7, we can generate more information and successfully appeal to people who know things that we should know,” he says.

“It's possible that his death was an unintended consequence of a burglary or debt recovery which may have gone wrong."

Several items of property are missing from Lee McMurdo's home, including:

• LG 50" Plasma Panel model: 50PS30;
• Sony PS3 console, Model: CECH 2002B / 250GB, Colour: Black;
• PS3 Dual shock wireless controlers x2;
• AURIGA brand computer desktop case, colour Black, Model 2988GV;
• X-Box game console;
• Cerwin-Vega E715 floor standing 3 way loudspeaker (x 1);
• NOKIA Model: 6700 ‘slide phone’ - Coloured Silver – Telecom XT Network;
• Small black plain leather wallet.

“We'd very much like to hear from anyone who saw a four wheel drive or utility vehicle at the victim’s address on any of three days between July 26 and 29," Mr Cramer said.

“This blue vehicle was parked either in the driveway near the house or at the bottom of the driveway entrance closer to the road."

Lee McMurdo was well known in his rural community. He was a family man who enjoyed numerous friendships and was popular with those with whom he had regular contact.

However, he had become involved in the local drug scene. He attracted Police attention and he was charged with cultivating cannabis. He was a known user and dealer of illicit pills. Police say it seems he was seduced by drugs as a means of escaping a difficult financial situation at the collapse of his business.

“We know there are individuals in the local Kaipara region who have a relatively minor involvement in the local drug scene. We're encouraging them to contact us and tell us what they know," Mr Cramer said.

"Speaking out about any involvement - intended or otherwise - is not as bad as it may appear. Someone is bound to have the precise piece of information we need to advance our enquiries.

“Have you seen any of the missing property that is listed? Do you know about the blue four wheel drive or ute that was seen at the State Highway 16 address?

“It is possible that someone was present when Lee was assaulted and who had no direct involvement in the events that resulted in his death. I encourage and appeal to any such person to come forward.

If you know of anyone who has any information that will lead Police to the killer[s] of Lee Ross McMurdo, call the Operation Manu investigation team on 0508 00MANU (006268), or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

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