17 Nov 2023

Vehicle believed to be linked to Nelson homicide investigation found

2:38 pm on 17 November 2023
Auckland, New Zealand - December 24, 2020: Close up of a New Zealand police officer's uniform and badge

Photo: 123RF

Police have found a vehicle believed to be related to the homicide of a man in the Nelson area last week.

James Whitikau Barton, 48, died following an assault in Stoke on 10 November.

Officers were called to a property on Orchard Street around 7pm where Barton found with critical injuries, but he later died in hospital.

A homicide investigation was later launched.

Police said today they have located and recovered a white BMW linked to the incident.

"We would like to thank the public for the information they have provided us," Detective Inspector Lex Bruning said in a statement.

"We ask that anyone who may have seen this white BMW X5 station wagon with the registration BMW693 on Friday, 10 November between 5pm and 9pm to please contact police."

"There are people out there who know what occurred on the night of 10 November, as well as why it happened.

"We urge them to do the right thing and tell us what they know The family are grieving and deserve answers."

Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 105, quoting file number 231110/4270 or Crimestoppers anonymously via 0800 555 111.