2 Dec 2014

Plea from police

5:47 pm on 2 December 2014

The police have grave concerns for a Queenstown woman missing since last Tuesday, and say she may be tied up in a kidnapping saga in the area.

Lilly Boden, 21, is a friend of Joshua Veint, who police are hunting for after three men were kidnapped last week. Pita Wilson, 38, is also wanted over the case, Radio New Zealand reports.

Police Inspector Olaf Jensen said Boden's parents were worried for her safety.

“We have some concerns for the wellbeing of Lilly Boden, who is a friend of Joshua Veint. We believe that they are together,” Jensen said. “Her parents would like her to make contact with them directly, or with the police. They are concerned for her wellbeing.”

Meanwhile, Mark Taylor, 17, was remanded without plea in the Invercargill District Court this morning. Taylor will appear in the Queenstown District Court on 12 January.

He was charged with kidnapping Andrew Lee and Casey Johnston last week. They were let go soon after.

However, a third man allegedly kidnapped with them, Joseph Armstrong, was not found until Sunday night. He was at the Lakeview Holiday Park and needed medical attention for head injuries.