New Facebook evidence on Carmen

Carmen Thomas. Photo / Supplied

Police investigating the disappearance of Auckland woman Carmen Thomas say they are closer to catching her killer.

And Facebook yesterday produced a new clue - evidence that Ms Thomas was alive at least 24 hours after the last confirmed sighting of her.

Nearly two months after the 32-year-old was last seen, Detective Inspector Mark Benefield said yesterday police still did not know how she died, or where she was.

But, he said, "we are making progress".

The Herald yesterday found, on Facebook, a message that Ms Thomas sent to sick friends at 8.14pm on June 28 - 24 hours after the last confirmed sighting of her.

The message said: "Get wel soon you two. lots of luv x".

Mr Benefield declined to comment on the posting yesterday.

A text was sent from her phone on July 3, but no one can confirm whether Ms Thomas sent this.

Mr Benefield declined to comment on whether police had interviewed a man who had been dating Ms Thomas recently.

Asked whether police were considering if the killer had accomplices - to dispose of her body, abandon her car in Hamilton, then return to Auckland - Mr Benefield said only: "We don't know what the circumstances of Carmen's death are. Someone does and they should contact us."

Police are in regular contact with Ms Thomas's ex-partner, Brad Callaghan, father of their five-year-old son Jack.

Ms Thomas' car was found abandoned in Hamilton with enough blood inside for police to believe her dead.

She is believed to have been murdered and hidden in bush on the fringes of Auckland. Last week, police focused inquiries on Whitford, near the Hunua Ranges, between Auckland and Hamilton.

Can you help? Call 0800 KEPPEL (0800-537-735), email whereiscarmen@police.govt.nz or call Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111.

KEY DATES

June 27: Last confirmed sighting - at Greenlane Countdown about 7.10pm. Last day her bank accounts were touched.

June 28: Message sent from her Facebook account at 8.14pm.

July 3: Text sent from her phone to her boss at East Tamaki men's club.

July 13: Her car is found in Hamilton. Carmen is reported missing after failing to collect her son.

July 17: Police search her Remuera home.

Aug 15: Police reveal a blue-lidded recycling bin is missing from her home.

Aug 18: Police interview hundreds of motorists in Whitford.


- NZHERALD STAFF