The family of an Upper Hutt woman who was murdered in an execution-style killing have pleaded for those with information about the brutal slaying to come forward.
Lois Tolley was stabbed and shot at point-blank range in her Ward St home on December 9.
Police today revealed they had sifted through hours of CCTV footage in the hunt for her killers and are piecing together the events leading up to the murder. They had also spoken to a number of people.
Tolley's tearful mother and aunt made a heartfelt request to those connected to her killers call police and help solve the mystery of why their cherised daughter and niece had met such a violent end.
The distraught women described it as "our worst nightmare" and pleaded those who had information to come forward and "unlock our torture".
Mum Cathrine MacDonald said her daughter was looking forward to sharing Christmas with her family.
"It was going to be our first family Christmas in a while.
"It was taken away from us," she said before breaking down.
Tolley's aunt, Lorraine Duffin, spoke directly to those responsible for the brutal slaying.
"To the people who did this you have been able to spend Christmas with your loved ones: think about what it has been like for us.
"It has been our worst nightmare and Christmas will never be the same again."
Police are looking for at least four men who were seen running from the dead woman's property.
Duffin appealed to mothers and aunts of those responsible to come forward.
"You hold the key to unlock our torture and we are calling on your conscience to help us get closure and bring these cowards to justice."
She said the family had gone through hell in recent weeks seeking answers.
"We just want to know," said Duffin.
