Bin may be key to solving homicide

Carmen Thomas. Photo / Supplied

Detectives are clinging to hope that a blue-lidded recycling bin will lead them to the body of Auckland mother Carmen Thomas.

Nearly two months after the 32-year-old was last seen alive, members of the 30-plus Operation Keppel police team are calling for information on the 240-litre Auckland City Council bin - serial number 014172 - that has vanished from her Remuera home.

"We don't know when it went missing and we won't know until we find it whether it's of significance to our investigation, but we'd very much like to locate it so that we can make our own determinations," said inquiry head Detective Inspector Mark Benefield.

Yesterday, a red rubbish bin could be seen around the side of Ms Thomas' ground-floor unit in Ngapuhi Rd, alongside a rolled-up red rug and other debris.

A neighbour said residents were shocked something so terrible had happened in their community.

Police are now convinced the South African-born escort was killed, revealing that blood and other evidence was found in her abandoned Nissan Pulsar in Hamilton's Dyer St last month.

They believe the car - which had a temporary "spacesaver" wheel - was dumped late on July 7 or early on July 8.

Yesterday, Mr Benefield refused to elaborate on the nature of evidential samples taken by police and say whether these included a weapon or DNA.

"Suffice to say we are convinced that Carmen was killed and we want to know who did it and when."

He said it was distressing for police to inform Ms Thomas' family she was dead.

"But staff are firmly committed to finding her and bringing whoever is responsible for her death and disposal to account."

Ms Thomas' former partner, who has joint custody of their 5-year-old son Jack, asked for privacy during an "obviously tough time".

Police want to know...

* Where Carmen is.

* Who drove her car to Hamilton on July 7.

* Where the wheelie bin is.

* Information on items missing from her Nissan Pulsar ATS209: turquoise handbag, car keys, wallet, ID (driver's licence, cards).

* Who has acted oddly at mention of Carmen's name or the inquiry.

Anyone with information should phone 0800 KEPPEL (0800-537- 735), email whereiscarmen@police.govt.nz, or call Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111.