Examination of victim's car first of it's kind, Hamilton homicide release 8

The forensic examination of a Hamilton murder victim's car that was saved from being shredded at a scrap metal yard commenced at the City's Police Station today.

Waikato Investigations Manager, Detective Inspector Lance Burdett, said when found the white Peugeot 405 GRI sedan had had its engine removed and been crushed prior to being destroyed.

"We're very fortunate that some very good investigative work led us to discovering the vehicle before it was lost to us as evidence for all time.

"To the best of our knowledge this is the first type of forensic examination carried out on a vehicle that has been crushed in this way. The examination is being conducted out by ESR forensic experts in a sterile environment and commenced with assistance from the Fire Service cutting away parts of the vehicle.

Investigators became aware of the car being a pivotal piece of the puzzle in identifying murder victim, Donald Alfred STEWART, after an inquisitive Police officer joined pieces of information together.

"This car had been reported in a ditch by a newspaper deliveryman on Sunday morning, then a Police officer travelling to work, ironically working on this case, saw the car and took the time to record its details, thinking it may have been stolen.

"When he checked the owner's details against what we knew of the victim he came to the conclusion that the owner could well be our victim which was the breakthrough we were looking for."

Mr Burdett said now the victim had been identified and his car recovered a key part of the inquiry was piecing together the vehicle's movements.

"That's where the public comes in, in solving the case of who was responsible for Mr STEWART'S murder we need a successful partnership between forensic results, sound investigation and good reports from the public for our staff to follow up.

"We're urging anyone who saw Mr STEWART'S white Peugeot 405 sedan in or around Hamilton from when he was last seen filling it up at the Gull Service Station on Norton Rd about 8.50pm Saturday to when it was seen in the drain on Collins Rd Sunday through to Monday."

Anyone with any information on the car's movements or who may be responsible for Mr STEWART'S murder is asked to contact the investigation team on 07 858 6200.

Alternatively information can be left anonymously on the Crimestoppers crimeline, 0800 555111.