Few clues to slain father's last days

Lee McMurdo. Photo / Steven McNicholl

Police say they still have few leads despite a family's public appeal for information about the violent death of a Helensville man.

Lee McMurdo, 32, was found dead in the backyard of his home by his 12-year-old daughter three weeks ago.

On Friday his Australian-based parents, Bruce and Sue McMurdo, appealed for information to build a picture of his final days.

"Lee died a violent death and, although he appeared to be on the wrong side of the tracks when he was killed, it wasn't always so," Bruce McMurdo said.

Detective Inspector Greg Cramer, in charge of the inquiry, said a few people had called since Friday.

"We've had a couple of phone calls, which has been encouraging. But certainly it remains for the public to get in touch if they know or hear anything."

He was not prepared to discuss whether the leads had been useful, and would not say how many calls there had been.

Police were still searching for any information about Mr McMurdo's wallet and bank card and an LG brand 50-inch plasma television that were missing from the three-bedroom home, he said.

'We've had nothing in respect to those. So once again if anyone has any information about those, then we'd love to hear from them."

Police were completing an assessment of all the items taken from the property and were continuing with interviews, Mr Cramer said.

"We're still continuing to talk to known friends and associates to build a really solid picture of Lee and what his habitual behaviours and movements were."

Police earlier said mystery surrounded the death of the 32-year-old father of three. He was last seen alive on July 26 and his body was discovered on July 29.

Police spent three weeks combing the property for clues.

Bruce McMurdo said he wanted to find out why and how his son died.

"He fathered three wonderful children, he was a skilled golfer and was well loved and liked by many.

"But, like many others these days, he got caught up in a drug scene and compromised all he'd worked for."