Police are seeking sightings of a second car believed to have taken off moments after a man was killed on a street in Christchurch.
Video / Sam Sherwood
Police investigating the suspected murder of David Bridgwater say the nature of his injuries remains unconfirmed.
Bridgwater, 38, died after he was found in the early hours of Thursday on Carisbrooke St, Aranui. His car was still running when he was found on the street besideit.
On Monday police finished an examination of a property near where he was found. No arrests have been made.
Detective Inspector Nicola Reeves, the officer in charge of Operation Walter, said on Tuesday a team of investigators continued to make inquiries into his death.
“Police are also aware of speculation in the media around the injuries David suffered, however the nature and cause of these injuries is unconfirmed and remains under investigation.”
Reeves earlier told media Bridgwater’s family were “really shocked” about what had happened.
“They’re devastated about the news of their son, their brother ... he’s a father. They’re coping very well under the circumstances, it’s very early days. They’ve got a really long road ahead of them.”
David Bridgwater was found dead outside his car on Carisbrooke St, Aranui in Christchurch early on Thursday. Photo / Facebook
Reeves told media police were seeking sightings of a green 2003 Holden Commodore registration BGE263. The car was believed to be in Carisbrooke St at the time of his death, leaving shortly afterwards.
“Police would like to hear from anyone who has seen this car since around 2am on January 4 and any time since then.”
Armed offenders squad (AOS) officers descended on a property in Aranui before 9am on Saturday, near where Bridgwater was found.
The Commodore was parked in the driveway when police arrived.
Police are seeking sightings of this green 2003 Holden Commodore in relation to David Bridgwater's death. Photo / Sam Sherwood
Police were “starting to get a bit of a clearer picture” of what happened, Reeves said.
“But we’re still seeking a lot of information to determine how he came to be in Carisbrooke St and how what’s happened has taken place.”
The inquiry was “evolving” and police were speaking to some people who were “co-operating with us”, she said.
The house at the centre of the raid is behind a memorial cross erected in Bridgwater’s honour.
A house in Aranui has been raided by police investigating the homicide. Photo / Sam Sherwood
Reeves had earlier said police were called after Bridgwater was found dead on Carisbrooke St, near Portchester St, about 2.28am on Thursday.
Bridgwater last posted on Facebook on Christmas Day.
“I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and a safe holidays and remember it’s not what’s under the tree it’s who’s around it. I lost a few people this year that were very important to me and are no longer around.
“Shout out to those who are struggling with their mental health but getting up daily no matter what. This time of year can hit worse, look after each other.”
One of Bridgwater’s friends, Michael Sturgess, told the Herald he was “absolutely heartbroken” at the death of the 38-year-old, also known as Cyrus.
“[He] was such an amazing and talented man with a heart of gold and a smile that would light up the room, such an amazing devoted father to his son and such a wonderful friend.
“As everyone knows he will be sadly missed by everyone - gone but never forgotten. Your legacy will live on - rest in love brother.”
Reeves earlier said police wanted to hear about any sightings of a Toyota, registration LEQ895. She also asked for anyone with any other information to come forward. The car has a distinctive sunroof.
The vehicle of interest was within the police cordon, but Reeves said police were uncertain of who had been using it.
“I would like to encourage anybody who thinks they have some information to come forward and let police know,” Reeves said.
“If you heard any unusual sounds on Carisbrooke this morning, or if you have CCTV footage, we would be interested.”
She said residents on the street first alerted police to the incident after they heard “an unusual noise”.
In a letter to nearby residents from Detective Sergeant Dion Murray, police asked people for any video footage between midnight on January 3 and 3am on January 4.
The letter also asked anyone who heard or saw anything about 1.30am on January 4 to contact police.
A resident said the first they knew of the incident was when they saw police cars. Photo / Sam Sherwood
Anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or who has information that could assist, is urged to contact police on 105 or online at https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105 clicking “Update Report”. Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
Sam Sherwood is a Christchurch-based reporter who covers crime. He is a senior journalist who joined the Herald in 2022, and has worked as a journalist for 10 years.
