Police appeal for sightings of dead man's luxury car

By LOUISA CLEAVE

Police hunting the killer of celebrity interior designer David McNee are focusing on his luxury sports car.

The Audi TT convertible was taken from the St Marys Bay home where Mr McNee was found bashed to death in his bedroom.

The openly gay designer, real estate agent and part-time television host on programmes such as My House, My Castle and Changing Rooms, was last seen on Sunday morning driving through Ponsonby. He called out to friends from his car.

His body was found on Tuesday night after a neighbour - alerted by barking from Mr McNee's two bassett hounds and finding the front door ajar - called police to the Hackett St address.

Police said it appeared there had been a struggle in the bedroom, which was in disarray, with the mattress askew.

Mr McNee had been bashed about the head with a blunt instrument and his body wrapped in a quilt.

Neighbours have told police they saw a Maori or Pacific Island man walk down Hackett St and turn into Shelly Beach Rd between 4.30pm and 5pm.

The witnesses thought he was aged around 20, about 170cm tall with a thin build, and wearing a light-grey hooded sweatshirt with the hood up.

Detective Sergeant Lance Burdett said police were still investigating Mr McNee's background.

Asked about Mr McNee's lifestyle and information that the dead man "cruised" for sexual partners, Mr Burdett said: "At this stage we deal in fact only. We deal with whatever we see as it happens.

"In this instance we're still carrying out inquiries into his background and behaviour."

Mr Burdett said he had "no idea" whether Mr McNee had a partner.

Police wanted to hear from anybody who might have seen the black Audi - worth about $60,000 - being driven around greater Auckland.

There had been a positive sighting of the car in Papatoetoe.

Police believe it was driven around for a long time. Mud inside and under the vehicle indicated it was taken "off-road" at some stage.

"I'm sure Mr McNee would not have a car in that condition," Mr Burdett said.

Friends and associates were yesterday asked to come forward to help police to identify personal property that might be missing from the house.

Mr Burdett did not know whether Mr McNee's security system - which included a security gate with video-phone - had recorded footage but police would be scouring film from cameras throughout the city.

Last movements

Sunday, July 20

11am-noon: David McNee is seen alive by Hackett St neighbour.

3.15pm: Audi TT sports car is seen in driveway.

3.24pm: Money withdrawn from his National Bank account in Ponsonby Rd.

3.30pm: He phones family member; the last time he's heard alive.

4.30-5pm: Maori or Pacific Island male seen acting suspiciously in Hackett St.

Monday, July 21

9am: Garage door is seen open, sports car gone.

Tuesday, July 22

5pm: Concerned neighbour visits house, calls police who find body and begin murder inquiry.