Picture emerges of murdered man's final day

Police investigating the murder of farm manager Stephen George are building up a clearer picture of his movements before his death.

Mr George's house at Tirohanga, near Taupo, was gutted by fire in the early hours of October 9.

A body found inside has not been formally identified but police suspect it is that of the 35-year-old father of four, who lived in the house alone.

Mr George's burnt out 1993 Nissan Primera was discovered about 40km from the farm two weeks ago, near Mangakino.

Investigation head Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Loper of Rotorua police said more had been revealed about what Mr George had been doing the day before he died.

He had been at a friend's house in Kihikihi, near Te Awamutu, between 1pm and 8.30pm, before heading to the nearby Star Tavern.

He and his friends left there at 11pm and returned to the Kihikihi house, but briefly went back to the tavern about 1am to buy more beer.

Mr George left the house soon after 1.30am.

His next movements remain a mystery, but his house was discovered on fire at about 4.15am.

Mr Loper said a blue sock and a black sock found inside Mr George's car had been taken to Auckland to be examined.

Anyone with any information can call police on 0800 STAR09.

- DAILY POST (ROTORUA)