Homicide Squad detectives are re-appealing for information from the community as they continue to investigate the shooting murder of a man at Wellington earlier this year.
About 4.30pm on Monday 27 April 2020, police were called to Wellington Base Hospital after a man presented with a gunshot wound to his abdomen.
Despite the efforts of hospital staff, the man was unable to be revived.
The man has since been formally identified as 48-year-old Wellington resident, Frank Smith.
Initial inquiries were conducted by officers from Orana Mid-Western Police District before detectives from the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad took carriage of the investigation under Strike Force Libani.
Homicide Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Danny Doherty, said police are re-appealing to the community for information as inquiries into Frank’s murder continue.
“Over the past five months, Homicide Squad detectives have conducted a significant canvass of Wellington, and the surrounding areas, for evidence that may help to identify those responsible for Frank’s death.
“Part of this canvass includes taking over 100 written statements from Frank’s family and friends, as well as associates and witnesses in the area.
“Frank was a well-known and well-liked member of the local Wellington community and we are urging anyone who has not yet come forward, to please speak with detectives.
“As inquiries continue police are appealing for anyone with information about the movements of a vehicle, described as a black 2001 Holden Rodeo utility with black and white sides, on Monday 27 April 2020.
“It is believed the vehicle may have been in the area after Frank was shot and the occupants may have vital information that could assist investigators.
“Neither police or the community will tolerate any murder, and with the continued support of the public, we are determined to put those responsible for this violent attack before the courts as soon as possible,” Det Supt Doherty said.
Police are continuing to seek dash cam vision from any vehicles that may have been travelling on or near Thornton Street, on Monday 27 April 2020 between 8am and 11am.
Vision can be handed into any police station or uploaded to Crime Stoppers online.
Anyone with information that may assist Strike Force Libani investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
