Police want to speak to a motorist in connection to a murder in the Bay of Plenty town of Opotiki.
A young woman, who has name suppression, was killed in the town on February 19. A 27-year-old man has since been charged with murder.
Police are now seeking a motorist who they believe picked up a hitchhiker between Te Kaha Medical Centre and Waihau Bay that day.
"We believe that a motorist picked up a young Maori man hitchhiking between the medical centre and Waihau Bay, sometime between midday and 5pm," said Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Standen.
"We'd like to hear from that motorist or from anyone who saw a hitchhiker fitting that description in the area during that time."
The alleged killer is currently on remand and will face trial in March.
Anyone with information about the murder is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Darren Thomas at Whakatane Police on 07 308 5255 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Newshub.
