Police launch homicide investigation following unexplained death in Ellerslie, further appeal for information

A homicide investigation has been launched as Police continue to appeal for information regarding the death of a man in Ellerslie.

Detective Inspector Scott Beard, Auckland City CIB, says the post-mortem examination of the 66-year-old male located at the address has been completed today.

“While Police had always been treating this investigation as a homicide due to our initial enquiries, the post-mortem has sadly confirmed the injuries received to the victim are violent, and consistent with foul play.

“Police now believe the victim died prior to Sunday afternoon as a result of the injuries sustained,” Detective Inspector Beard says.

“Our thoughts are with the victim’s loved ones at this time and we are committed to holding the person, or persons, involved to account.”

At this stage, a formal identification is yet to be completed, however Police will look to release details about the victim in due course.

  • Police continue to appeal for information:

Detective Inspector Beard says the investigation team is working hard to piece together the information received so far, however are continuing to appeal to the public for assistance.

“We are very concerned for the safety and wellbeing of Mei Han Chong.

“Police have not yet located 67-year-old, nor the vehicle which belongs to the family.

“We urge anyone with information on Mei Han Chong’s whereabouts, or their blue Kia Rio, registration NJN927, to please contact us” Detective Inspector Beard says.

“No piece of information is insignificant as we work to determine exactly what has occurred.”

A scene guard remains in place at the Celtic Crescent address today while the scene examination continues, however this is likely to be completed this afternoon.

“Police will continue to remain in the area over the coming days while our investigation is ongoing,” Detective Inspector Beard says.

Anyone with information that may assist with our enquiries is asked to contact Police via our 105 phone service or online at https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105, using Update My Report.

Please reference file number 231106/8053.

Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Police will continue to provide updates as they become available.

/NZ Police Public Release. View in full here.