Israel Jack case: Grieving dad's plea for answers

Rendall Jack want's answers to his son's death. Photo/Stephen Parker

Israel Jack's father believes people are too scared to come forward and tell police what they know about his son's death.

It's eight months since Israel, 20, was hit by two cars on Te Ngae Rd but police are no closer to finding out how he came to be lying on the road.

On Tuesday 29-year-old Hapeta Manley was sentenced for failing to stop and driving while forbidden. He had admitted running over Israel, claiming he thought he'd hit a dog, and continued home. He was sentenced in the Rotorua District Court to six months' home detention, disqualified from driving for 18 months and fined $1000.

Israel's father Rendall Jack said Manley's sentencing had given him "partial closure" but had left a lot of questions unanswered.

"There is still so much that is missing," he said. "There are so many unanswered questions and so many people aren't willing to say what they actually know. I think largely they're fearful of repercussions.

"Things are often said in the community relating to it and names are mentioned - there's plenty of talk but it's harmful for us if it doesn't lead to any result. In some respects it makes a mockery of Israel's life." Israel was found on Te Ngae Rd, between Pohutukawa Dr and Robinson Ave, on Sunday August 18 about 4.25am.

The former Rotorua Boys' High School student had been out with friends in town, but they separated and he started walking to where he was staying. He talked to police at Gull Te Ngae and was filmed in Caltex Te Ngae, where he was last seen alive. He was found 1.4km from the service station less than five minutes later.

"We won't give up on these cases and it will remain an open investigation until it is resolved," said Rotorua police head of CIB Detective Senior Sergeant Zane Smith.

"We received some valuable support and information from the public in the weeks following Israel Jack's death and we still believe the community has more information that would give us the final piece to this puzzle.

"It's important to remember that it is never too late to talk to us. Our interest is in finding out what happened to Mr Jack and providing his family with some much-needed closure."

Anyone with information can call Rotorua police on (07) 348 0099 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.