Police battle misinformation in search for missing woman
Tasman police say they are frustrated by misinformation as they search for a Marlborough woman whose disappearance a year ago is being treated as a homicide.
Photo: Supplied / NZ Police
Jessica Boyce was last seen in Renwick in March last year driving a red Holden Rodeo ute that was found a few days later in the Richmond Ranges.
Detective senior sergeant Ciaran Sloan said detectives working on the case had been frustrated by what they believed to be significant amounts of misinformation designed to impede the investigation.
This includes the placement of Boyce's red ute in the Lake Chalice carpark, which police believe was put there to mislead the investigation team.
Despite this, some progress had been made and on 9 March this year, Marlborough Police seized a black Mazda utility vehicle, which they thought was connected to Boyce's disappearance.
The vehicle is undergoing a forensic examination.
Sloan said Boyce's disappearance was being investigated by a core team helped by additional staff from the wider Tasman District, Canterbury and Southern districts.
He said police were also aware that several people of interest had left the Marlborough area over the past year, possibly believing it might help them avoid police attention.
"Despite these obstacles, the investigation team is steadily working through and following up all information received. We remain absolutely focused on resolving this case and providing answers for Jessica's family and loved ones."
Police said they still wanted to hear from anyone who might have information about Boyce's disappearance.
Contact Marlborough Police on 03 578 5279. Information can also be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
