Police have today arrested a man for being party to the murder of Raymond ‘Son’ Piper but say the investigation is far from over.
Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Oxnam, head of the month-long investigation team, said a 51-year-old Paraparaumu man is in police custody and will appear in the Porirua District Court tomorrow charged with being party to murder.
The arrest follows extensive police inquiries helped by information from the public since 23-year-old Raymond went missing from Paraparaumu on the morning of Saturday 15 May.
Detective Senior Sergeant Oxnam says, “I am not prepared to jeopardise any aspect of the investigation by elaborating on the arrest but the homicide investigation has not finished.”
“We still have a lot of work to do and we are yet to find Raymond’s body. This will continue to be a critical focus for us.”
Police have advised Mr Piper’s family and partner of today’s arrest.
The family says, “We pleased an arrest has been made but we want Son home so we can lay him to rest. We can’t rest until he is found.”
Police continue to appeal for sightings of vehicles of interest to the inquiry, including the dark green Mazda Marvie registration number WC9996, seized in Turakina on Tuesday 8 June and a red to maroon coloured 1993 Nissan Bluebird registration number RZ2075, seized by Police on Wednesday 16 June.
Police would also like sightings of a grey 1988 Toyota Corolla saloon which may have travelled as far as Wanganui over the weekend. (see photo above)
“We urge people to continue to call us with details that will help our investigation. Please speak up and tell us what you know, have heard or seen. We haven’t found Raymond’s body and every little bit of information might help pinpoint where he is or further progress the inquiry.”
People with information that will help the homicide investigation team are asked to call: 0800 FINDRAY, email: [email protected] or text 027 241 1394. All calls are being followed up by officers.
