New Zealand Police Alert 11:00 14-01-2008 Southern

Location of incident: Balclutha

Incident Type: Homicide Enquiry update

PRESS RELEASE NO 4 14 JANUARY 2008 1135

Police investigators working on the homicide in Balclutha are able to advise that they have confirmed the identity of the deceased. Detective Inspector Ross Pinkham who is heading the investigation says that the victim is an 18 year old from Kaitangata.

As the parents of the victim have yet to be formally notified his name is unavailable for released. The body was found on Saturday 12th January on the edge of the Clutha River, near Stirling - 7 kms from Balclutha.

Police recovered the body that night and a post mortem conducted yesterday, Sunday, revealed that his death was not from natural causes. A large team of Police based in Balclutha has been working on the investigation.

A team of Detectives have been at the victim's house in Kaitangata in an effort to glean more information about the victim's movements. Associates of the victim have been contacted and have been interviewed by the Police.

Mr Pinkham says the police staff have been assisted by 2 forensic scientist from the ESR. An examination of the house is continuing today. Yesterday the Police Dive Team from Wellington and a Special Search Team completed a detailed search of the river and river bank area where the body was found.

The investigation team has been supplemented by staff from the Invercargill CIB Details relating to the cause of death will be released later today. Next media release at 1600 today.

Ross Pinkham Detective Inspector Operation HAWK Balclutha 03 4180203 027 2428089

Issued By: Inspector John Doherty

ENDS

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