Sponsored by
Murder hunt for former Whitby mum
POLICE believe missing former Whitby mum Carmen Thomas is dead and are hunting for a killer.
The 32-year-old, who attended Whitby Community College and has family living in town, was working in Auckland, New Zealand when she vanised on 1 July.
She has not been seen since and there have been no corroborated sightings of Carmen since 27 June.
Now detectives investigating the case revealed for the first time this weekend they believe she has been murdered – blood was found in her car which was discovered abandoned on 13 July.
Police have also confirmed a wheelie bin has also been missing from the mum-of-one's home in Remuera, Auckland.
There is now a big focus on the movements of Carmen's car and police are appealing for sightings of the vehicle.
Detective Inspector Mark Benefield, who is leading the investigation, said: "More than two weeks ago, we acknowledged that the investigation into her disappearance was looking increasingly sinister.
"In light of everything I know I can confirm that we are investigating a homicide rather than a missing person situation."
He added it was distressing for the investigation team to have to tell Carmen's family that police believe she has been killed but they are firmly committed to finding her and bringing whoever is responsible for her death to account.
"In addition to blood in her car there is other forensic evidence we're aware of that I'm not at liberty to elaborate on now but suffice to say we are convinced that Carmen was killed and we want to know who did it and when."
Tributes have been paid to Carmen on a Facebook group set up by her auntie Carol Lavagna of Fairmead Court.
Another of her aunts Carolyn Lavagna wrote in a tribute on the Carmen Thomas Facebook page: "I hope and pray that justice is done and most of all you are found."
Carmen's family were too upset to speak to the Whitby Gazette yesterday.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Whitby
Saturday 19 May 2012
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 6 C to 8 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: North
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 7 C to 10 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: North east
