'Others may be at risk from killer of Carmen'

Carmen Thomas. Photo / Supplied

The family of missing Auckland woman Carmen Thomas says innocent lives may be at stake as long as her killer walks free.

The 32-year-old disappeared nearly two months ago and police believe she has been murdered. Her car was found abandoned in Hamilton with blood inside it.

Her aunt Carolyn Lavagna appealed for anyone with any clues to come forward and help investigators find Ms Thomas.

"For goodness sake, find Carmen and bring her home, let us have closure with some dignity and respect, let us put her to rest with love," she wrote on Facebook.

She urged anyone who knew the killer to come forward.

"They may do this again, it may be one of your family ... other innocent lives may be at stake here."

Her niece's disappearance had been a nightmare, said Mrs Lavagna.

Ms Thomas 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. It is understood other bush areas in the region are likely to become part of the search for her.

Auckland engineer Brad Callaghan has a 5-year-old son, Jack, with Ms Thomas. The couple met in London where Mr Callaghan was working after he graduated from the University of Auckland.

A mutual friend described their relationship as volatile and they had broken up before Ms Thomas discovered she was pregnant while in the United Kingdom.

The couple tried to get back together but it didn't work out and Mr Callaghan returned to New Zealand, followed soon after by Ms Thomas and baby Jack.

While the estranged relationship was "amicable" in New Zealand, the former couple never reunited. Mr Callaghan was a "devoted dad and Jack always, always came first", said the source.

Mr Callaghan did not answer a message left yesterday.

South African-born Ms Thomas was last seen on June 27 but a text was sent to her employer from her phone on July 3. She worked at an East Tamaki men's club.

Police are appealing for information on a blue-lidded wheelie bin - serial number 014172 - missing from her home in Remuera.

- Staff reporter

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