Daniel Hepehi homicide: Police appeal for sightings in death of Horeke man

Northland police investigating the death of Horeke man Daniel Hepehi are seeking information on this green and gold 4WD. Photo / NZ Police

• Northland Police are investigating the death of Daniel Hepehi, focusing on events at his property.
• Detective Inspector Rhys Johnston urges anyone with information about Hepehi or a green and gold 4WD to come forward.
• Hepehi, also known as Danny Whitson, was last seen shopping in Kaikohe on May 21.

Northland police are following fresh lines of inquiry into the death of a 77-year-old man found in a Far North town.

Police said they are investigating the death of Horeke man Daniel Hepehi and are continuing to build a picture of the events that led up to an incident at his property.

Hepehi was found with critical injuries at a Waikerikeri Rd property early on May 22. He later died at the scene.

Detective Inspector Rhys Johnston said the investigation team are working on fresh lines of inquiry after an appeal for information yesterday.

“We have a motivated team building a picture of what happened to Hepehi, and we continue to ask people with information to come forward,” he said.

Police said they are appealing for sightings of the 77-year-old, who was also known as Danny Whitson, on Wednesday, May 21.

Northland police are investigating the death of Horeke man Daniel Hepehi. Photo / NZ Police

“We’d like to hear from anyone who saw or interacted with Mr Hepehi on May 21,” Johnston said.

“We know he shopped for groceries in Kaikohe around 10.30am last Wednesday.”

Police are continuing an appeal for sightings of a green and gold 4WD with the number plate LCP129 on May 21.

“Police are investigating a connection between the vehicle and Daniel Hepehi,” Johnston said.

Anyone with information is asked to update police online or call 105.

Please quote the reference number 250522/0155. Information can also be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

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