Police seek silver Mitsubishi linked with Kyle Whorrall homicide in St Johns

• Police are searching for a silver 2004 Mitsubishi Grandis linked to Kyle Whorrall’s alleged murder.
• Detective Inspector Glenn Baldwin urges those with information to contact police or Crime Stoppers.
• A Gofundme for Whorrall’s family has raised $39,129 for travel and related expenses.

Police are hunting for another vehicle linked to the alleged murder of Kyle Whorrall in St Johns over Easter Weekend.

The police said the vehicle is a silver 2004 Mitsubishi Grandis with the registration number GNG652.

Police said this vehicle is believed to be connected to people police want to speak to as part of their investigation.

“We believe they have crucial information to share with us about the events surrounding Kyle’s tragic death,” police said.

The vehicle may have travelled to Northland in recent days.

Detective Inspector Glenn Baldwin is asking those occupants to make contact with police as soon as possible.

Police are appealing for information about a silver 2004 Mitsubishi Grandis, registration GNG652. Photo / NZ Police

“These people of interest could have the information we are looking for that will help us understand why Kyle was killed.

“We know they are likely feeling apprehensive about speaking with us, but we are asking them to come forward as soon as possible. It is time to do the right thing.

“If you have any information about this vehicle or the people involved, we also want to hear from you.

“We will be continuing to carry out our enquiries to locate this vehicle and the people with it as a matter of urgency.”

Contact police online or call 105 using the reference number 250419/9858, Operation Aberfeldy.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Gofundme for slain student Kyle Whorrall’s family

A Gofundme set up to help Whorrall’s grieving family has nearly reached its US$35,000 goal.

At 4pm, the amount raised was sitting at US$33,604 - about $56,250.

A message on the Gofundme page said the money would go towards travel costs for his family and other related expenses.

“Although no one can eliminate the overwhelming grief and difficult tasks that Kyle’s family now faces, we can help relieve the associated financial burden.”

• To donate to the Gofindme, please click here

Auckland University student Kyle Whorrall was attacked at a bus stop and died later in hospital.

Whorrall was fatally attacked last Saturday on St Johns Rd in Meadowbank, East Auckland, while he waited at a bus stop with his groceries.

At a tearful vigil held yesterday, flatmates, who described themselves as his “chosen family”, broke down as they tried to speak.

“He was gentle, he was kind, he was very thoughtful,” one of the five flatmates said.

“He loved crafting and painting and sewing and creating plushies – he loved plushies so much, and plants.

“He cared deeply about what he did and the people in his life.”

Kyle Whorrall's flatmates at Thursday's vigil for him at St Johns Rd. Photo / Dean Purcell

About 100 people gathered for a vigil for Kyle Whorrall at a St Johns Rd bus stop on Thursday. Photo / Dean Purcell

Detective Inspector Glenn Baldwin said yesterday police had arrested a 16-year-old and charged him with Whorrall’s murder.

He appeared in the Auckland District Court yesterday and also faced an aggravated robbery charge.

His case has been transferred to the High Court at Auckland for his next appearance on May 14.

As a youth, he has automatic name suppression.

A 32-year-old, charged with being an accessory after the fact to murder, also appeared and was granted interim name suppression.

Charging documents seen by the Herald allege she “actively suppressed” evidence against the teen by selling a car to help him escape after arrest.

She has been remanded until the same date without plea.

Whorrall was struck with a “long” weapon about 10pm on Saturday, suffering multiple head injuries, and later died in hospital.

Police had “obtained further information” about a black SUV that became the subject of a media appeal when Baldwin held a press conference about the case on Tuesday.

“The Operation Aberfeldy team commenced investigations into this vehicle of interest and its movements.

“I can confirm we have now located this vehicle on the North Shore and it has been seized by police with a detailed forensic examination under way.”

Rachel Maher is an Auckland-based reporter who covers breaking news. She has worked for the Herald since 2022.