Family plead for help in finding killer

The brother of slain Wellington man Donald Stewart says his family is "shattered and in shock" over the way he died.

"We can't understand what motive anyone would have to do that to him," Gordon Stewart told media today.

Mr Stewart, 74, was found dead with head injuries near a public toilet on London St in central Hamilton on Sunday morning.

His Peugeot car was later found at an Auckland wrecker's yard and police said that could provide a vital clue to solving the mystery.

The car was taken to Hamilton yesterday where it was pulled apart and parts were cut off by firefighters to allow a forensic examination.

Mr Stewart was captured on security footage filling his car with petrol in Hamilton on Saturday night. The car was seen early the next day in a ditch in the city.

But on Monday, when police went to recover the vehicle, it had been removed.

Gordon Stewart, along with Mr Stewart's daughter, Tracey, who was too upset to speak, and her husband Cameron, appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

"As a family we believe it is important to get across to the media our gratitude to those who have provided information...and we ask anyone else who may have information into what caused my brother's death to contact police," he said.

Describing his brother as a "conservative man" he said he was also "kind and fun loving" with a dry sense of humour.

A qualified building, quantity surveyor, cabinetmaker and draughtsman Mr Stewart helped Tracey and Cameron decorate their first home, and was also a car enthusiast.

The family, although keeping in regular contact by mail, had not seen Mr Stewart for some time. They were not aware he had been in Hamilton or why, although he had recently attended Fieldays.

Detective Inspector Lance Burdett said Hamilton scrap-metal dealers had assisted with information regarding the vehicle.

Forensic analysis of the car undertaken by ESR, with the help of fire fighters, was highly unusual due to the condition of the car when located, but results from the examination were still some time away, Mr Burdett said.

Enquiries were still continuing into Mr Stewart's movements and police asked for any sightings or friends of Mr Stewart to come forward with any information that might assist.

"We would like closure for the family," Mr Burdett said.

"But we are not rushing the enquiry and are making sure every avenue that can be investigated is being."

- NZPA