'Cunning' chef is murder suspect

Norfolk Islanders are closing ranks on the identity of a New Zealand man being investigated for a murder on the island three years ago - fearing it will harm the police investigation.

Locals who knew the New Plymouth chef will not name him but neighbours have described him as "cunning" and a "sweet talker".

The man has emerged as a prime suspect in the murder of 29-year-old Sydney waitress Janelle Patton on the island three years ago.

Her stabbed and bruised body was discovered, wrapped in black plastic, in a reserve at Easter 2002. She suffered 64 injuries, including a skull fracture, broken pelvis, broken ankle and multiple stab wounds.

The Herald on Sunday understands two Australian Federal Police officers flew to New Zealand last week to question the man, understood to be a 31-year-old chef.

But police will not comment further. The man had been on the island for two years on a temporary entry permit and left six weeks after Janelle's murder.

He worked at several bars and restaurants, including an eight-month stint at trendy garden centre Cafe Pacifica.

Interest in the New Zealander was sparked after police searched two cars on the island late last year. Two white hatchbacks were dismantled and several hundred swabs and samples were sent to Canberra for forensic tests.

Police then turned their attention to the flat believed to have been tenanted to the man.

The new tenant was moved out as police scientists searched the house. Neither the property nor the cars had been searched in 2002 and none was connected to 16 persons of interest initially named by police.

Ms Patton's parents suspect more than one person had a hand in her murder or the dumping of her body.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY