Detective Inspector Glenn Baldwin said there was a “large amount of blood” at the scene and some of that would have transferred to the killer.
”This offender will have gone somewhere, likely in an agitated state and likely with some blood on him.
”Someone will know who this person is and I challenge them to do the right thing and come forward.”
Baldwin said a club member saw the victim earlier in the morning when the scientist had passed his laptop to him for safekeeping before he walked into the bush about 11.30am to look for insects, which was “normal” for him.
Thorpe was a highly regarded entomologist in his early 50s with a passion for seeking out and identifying bugs and plants.
Stephen Thorpe has been named by friends as the victim in the Blockhouse Bay stabbing.
He worked seven days a week out of the Whau River Catchment Trust’s offices at the club.
Baldwin said after the victim went outside, cries for help were heard.
”The staff member witnessed the victim in a violent struggle and went to get a phone to call for help.”
Baldwin said the man ran to call 111, and when he returned outside the victim was alone on the steps and his attacker had fled.
Thorpe had been stabbed multiple times before dying outside the club on Rathlin St.
“Tragically, the victim had succumbed to his injuries which are consistent with stab wounds,” Baldwin said.
He said the offender fled towards the car park on Rathlin St and it was not clear if he left on foot or in a vehicle.
Police have been hunting for the offender, and have been gathering relevant CCTV, dashcam or security footage from the area. Police are also stepping up reassurance patrolling in the area.
“I know this event has rocked the local community and membership at the tennis club,” Baldwin said.
”Our investigation team is highly motivated and are working hard to bring some answers and to hold the person responsible to account.”
Baldwin said they wanted to speak to anyone on Rathlin St, Whitney St, Exminster Stand and Terry St who saw “anything suspicious” from 11.30am onwards.
He urged the community to be vigilant and to “pay attention” while the man was still at large.
Baldwin acknowledges the public who have made contact with police so far.
”One piece of information could be crucial in advancing this investigation, so no matter how small it might be our team needs to hear from you.”
Thorpe was single and had no children – his only known family was an elderly father in Queensland, Australia.
Meanwhile, those who have benefitted from his knowledge have paid tribute to his generosity and his work ethic – clearly visible in his more than 28,000 entries in iNaturalist, an online app where people share biodiversity observations.
The scientist had at least nine new species of bugs named after him.
Thorpe also contributed some 12,000 insect specimens to Auckland Museum, where he worked mainly as a volunteer throughout the 2000s.
“He had a prodigious memory particularly for all the scientific literature about New Zealand beetles,” said John Early, a former entomology curator at the museum.
“His death is tragic and untimely, not just for its horrific circumstances but also that his valuable contribution to New Zealand entomology is now ended.”
Dave Seldon, president of the Auckland branch of the Entomological Society of New Zealand, said he was shocked to hear of Thorpe’s death.
”The main thing for the entomological community now and in the future is that we’ve lost a person who was able to identify so many different species of insects and other arthropods as well.”
His contribution to the iNaturalist website was “massive”, Seldon said.
”He was on there every day, uploading new photos, and was always out in the field.”
Seldon said word of the tragedy had spread among the entomology community quickly over the weekend, and he expected it would be discussed at the society’s national conference in Christchurch this week.
In a message posted on social media, Entomological Society of New Zealand president Tara Murray said her thoughts went out to Thorpe’s family, friends and colleagues.
“I have sent out many messages over the years when members of our community have passed away but, in this instance, there are simply no words to describe such a senseless tragedy.”
University of Auckland entomologist professor Jacqueline Beggs said she was still processing the news.
“Frankly, I’m still in shock this morning... it’s just hard to comprehend that he’s gone.”
Thorpe worked in her laboratory at the university’s School of Biological Sciences for around a decade, and she remembered him as a “walking encyclopedia” who was generous in sharing his knowledge with students.
“He was phenomenal in his ability to identify species – but more than that, to ping the really cool and interesting things about them,” she said.
“Many of the techniques we use for collecting insects will bring up a vast array of different individuals – and within those hundreds, if not thousands, he had an uncanny ability to spot the most unusual and important ones.”
Prominent citizen scientist and Wikimedian Siobhan Leachman was similarly devastated at the news.
“I think our community has lost a really important member,” she said, noting Thorpe was a highly regarded entomologist here and abroad.
Andrew described the scientist as a “small, slightly built, well-spoken, educated, gentle guy who would just never hurt a fly. It just felt incredibly sad that something has happened like this. It’s so pointless”.
Police investigate the scene of a fatal stabbing at the Blockhouse Bay Tennis Club on Rathlin St on Saturday. Photo / Dean Purcell
Tributes posted online to his account on the app remember his kind, helpful nature, “incredible wisdom” and passion for entomology.
“He was so dedicated and knowledgeable. iNat has certainly lost one of its greats! Rest in Peace mate.“
Thorpe’s death was “incredibly sad”, another said, adding that Thorpe had made an “immeasurable contribution to entomology and natural science in NZ. Grateful for the help he gave me as a masters student”.
Another said Thorpe had shared his wisdom with many “iNaturalist youngsters”.
“You were someone we looked up to, hoping that one day we would know as much about the natural world as you. You will be missed.”
”Always happy and always able to help with identifications, always pointing towards the relevant literature. Never leaving a specimen behind! Now you are leaving us behind…I will miss you.”
Police continue to hunt for the offender, who they believe fled the scene on foot. Photo / Dean Purcell
One devastated friend said on social media she became concerned for Thorpe after he didn’t post his usual “countless” daily observations on iNaturalist. After a sleepless night, she had called police, who confirmed her friend was the victim.
Ken Lau, who lives opposite the tennis club, said the incident happened in front of other club members.
“The court was busy – it’s a vibrant, busy place on a Saturday. People are playing tennis, bowling, biking. There would have been lots of witnesses.”
The tennis club was busy at the time the man was murdered, according to locals. Photo / Dean Purcell
The Herald asked police this morning for any updates including whether there were any concerns about public safety. Police said they had no updates to share, but yesterday said they were formally identifying the man and would be going door to door looking for more information.
Police are urging anyone with information to contact them on 105 or online, using ‘Update My Report’ and referencing Operation Elba, giving the file number 240824/4136. They can also contact Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
