Police locate item of interest in St Johns homicide investigation: 'This is not going away'
Police have made developments in the ongoing homicide investigation into the death of Kyle Whorrall over five months ago.
Kyle, a 33-year-old US national, was senselessly murdered at a bus stop on St Johns Road on 19 April 2025.
The Police investigation into Kyle’s death has been ongoing and investigators have renewed their focus in the case. Detective Inspector Glenn Baldwin says new information led detectives to Maybury Reserve in Glen Innes on Monday morning. Police continue to search for several items of interest in the investigation, which remain outstanding.
“A search was conducted through a section of the reserve by the Police Specialist Search Group as well as a dog handler,” he says. “As a result of that, Police have located a machete concealed in part of the reserve and this item has been seized for further forensic examination.” The Operation Aberfeldy investigation team have continued to search for the weapon used to inflict the fatal injury on Kyle that Saturday night.
“No one deserves the ordeal that Kyle went through in the last moments of his life, after sustaining horrific injuries at the bus stop,” Detective Inspector Baldwin says. “We have been searching for a bladed weapon, so at this stage it’s unclear whether this machete is linked to our enquiry, and we will await results from PHF Science.”
Two people remain before the Court at this point in the investigation.
Police continue to appeal to those with information to come forward. Detective Inspector Baldwin says there are people in the community that know who else was in the offending vehicle the night of Kyle’s death. “I want to be very clear that there is an opportunity here for anyone with information to do the right thing, come forward and speak to us. This is not going away. We have a team of investigators who are not going away. Police have not come to search Maybury Reserve by mistake, and we will continue to seek answers for Kyle’s family.”
Police encourage anyone with information to contact Police online or call 105 using the reference number 250419/9858, or Operation Aberfeldy.
Information can also be reported anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.
We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?
Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.
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53.3% Yes
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46.7% No
Sonic Delusion at Hilltop 6/12/25
Come along tonight for this great gig! Too funky for folk and too folky for funk — that’s Sonic Delusion’s happy, funky, and groovy indie pop. 7pm for 7.30. Celebrating the release of André Manella’s (lead man of Turkey the Bird here with his solo performance) new single “Smoooth”, the vibrant Swiss-Kiwi performer is armed with his trusty loop pedal and an array of instruments. Sonic Delusion layers beats, baselines, and melodies into a boogielicious live performance “bursting with more funk than folk can handle.” André has built a reputation for turning every gig into a feel-good party — “funny, fresh and funky… a welcome breath of entertainment, joy, fun and smiles” Graham Reid – Elsewhere. From Taranaki to the lower North Island, the “Smoooth” release tour promises catchy hooks, infectious grooves, and the perfect excuse to shake your worries away. “catchy melodic hooks that make you want to get up and dance” Amy Maynard – NZ Musician Magazine
Enjoy the lovely vibe at Hilltop. Details and street number given with booking confirmation email. www.hilltophouseconcerts.co.nz.....................
‘Tis the season to not get scammed ...
As Christmas gift shopping moves increasingly online, scammers are ramping up their activity across the country.
Dunedin’s Investigation Support Unit is seeing more and more people fall victim to scams and other fraudulent activity, particularly on Facebook Marketplace.
There are a few ways to avoid the scams and keep yourself safe doing online trades this holiday season, says Southern District Service Delivery Manager Senior Sergeant Dalton.
🔒 “A good first step when looking to purchase something on Marketplace is to check when the seller’s Facebook profile was created. If it’s very recent, there is a higher risk that they have just created this account for a one-off fake item.”
🔒 Another important step is to make sure the seller’s profile name and bank account name match up. “We’re seeing a lot of scammers claiming their bank account name is different because it belongs to their partner or family member - that’s a huge red flag."
🔒 “When you’re selling, never trust a screenshot anyone sends you showing that payment has been made. Check your own bank account to make sure a payment has gone through."
🔒 “Quite frankly, it’s best for all parties to agree to pay, or be paid, for items in cash and in-person. Ideally in a public place with CCTV coverage."
🔒 "If you’re buying a car, check Carjam.co.nz to see if it’s stolen or if there’s money owed on it.”
A reminder: Suspicious activity can be reported on 105
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