Dale Puru investigation enters ‘final phase’

Press, 30 July 1986, Page 9

Dale Puru investigation enters ‘final phase’

The Christchurch police are making no predictions on how long the inquiry into the killing of Dale Puru 10 days ago will continue. Detective Inspector Roger Carson, who is in charge of the case, said yesterday that the inquiry had entered its “final phase.” He declined to predict when any arrest would be made or when the inquiry would finish. The stabbed and bashed body of Mr Puru, aged 21,

was found at a lay-by near Broad Park, Waimairi Beach, on July 20. Since then, 30 detectives have worked on the case. The police have also spoken to members of the Black Power gang, with which Mr Puru associated, and have raided a number of houses in Christchurch. Mr Carson has said that the police have seized “significant items” from several houses, but will

not say what the. items are. Detectives have also concentrated on tracing the movements of Mr Puru on the Saturday evening before his body was found. Mr Carson has said that the police have narrowed the reason for the killing of Mr Puru to "a couple of possibilities.” Forensic tests are also being made on nine knives held by the police to see if any of them was used to kill Mr Puru.