Murder victims identified

Press, 5 January 1987, Page 1

Murder victims identified

CHRIS TOBIN

in Timaru

The police are now satisfied that the two bodies washed ashore near the Smithfield Freezing Works, north of Timaru, on Friday are those of Steven James Hartley, aged 18, and Paul Chapman Wilson, aged 21. Post-mortem examinations were held on the bodies on Saturday. De-

tective Inspector Jim Millar said the cause of death would not be given. This would be a. matter for the court to decide.

Two men accused of the murders of Messrs Wilson and Hartley and a third man who allegedly helped them avoid arrest will reappear in the District Court at Timaru on January 14.

Inquiries into the double homicide are beginning to wind down and a team of 30 detectives working on the case since last Thursday will start leaving Timaru tomorrow.

Mr Millar said the police were still trying to find a man who allegedly spoke to people on the fishing boat Buda as it returned to moorings some time around

midnight on Boxing Day. The police made regular * checks during the week-end along the coastline for a black plastic pool liner. No firearms have yet been seized. “We appreciate the help we have had from the public,” said Mr Millar. “The co-operation and information have helped considerably.”