Mitchel Cole is wanted in connection with the death of his father and stepmother in Ruatiti. He is armed and considered dangerous.
Mitchel Cole is wanted in connection with the death of his father and stepmother in Ruatiti. He is armed and considered dangerous.
Police are urging anyone visiting the Ruatiti bush to report sightings of wanted man Mitchell Cole as the investigation into the murder of his parents continues.
The bodies of Brendon and Trina Cole were discovered on December 13, having been shot dead on the driveway of their Murumuru Rd home,near Whanganui National Park.
Cole has been named a person of interest in relation to the double homicide, with the search for the missing man now entering its second week.
A warrant for the 29-year-old’s arrest has also been issued for unlawful possession of firearms.
Detective Inspector Gerard Bouterey, Central District CIB field crime manager, said police were still on the ground in the Ruatiti area but need the public’s support in reporting “unusual activity”.
Police are also looking for a black/blue bull mastiff Cole is believed to have in his company.
Trina, Cole’s stepmother, was active in the Neapolitan mastiff dog-breeding community, with several dogs being found at the property and taken into the care of her friends.
Brendon Cole and his partner Trina Cole.
“We ask anyone going into the bush in the wider Ruatiti area to please be on the lookout and report any sightings of Cole, the dog, or anything unusual they may come across,” Bouterey said.
Cole is likely to be armed and has significant knowledge of the bush area.
Bouterey said Cole should not be approached if seen and has instead advised members of the public to call 111 immediately.
Yesterday, police appealed for information regarding a man who was seen around 6pm on December 13 near the intersection of Pukekaha Rd and Rautiti Rd.
“The man was described as late 20s or early 30s, around 6ft tall, clean-shaven with a lean, athletic build,” Bouterey said.
“He was wearing a singlet, shorts and baseball cap.”
Though it is believed the couple may have been killed days before they were found, police are encouraging anyone in the area at the time to come forward.
Anyone with information can contact police by calling 105 or visiting 105.police.govt.nz, using reference number 251213/6207.
Anonymous reports can also be made through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
