Police look to piece together events before murder

Wellington Police have released CCTV images of Matthew Hall before his death in the hope that someone may have seen him in the hours before his brutal murder. Photo / Supplied

Police investigating the brutal murder of a Wellington man last week say they have received a good response from the public but are seeking more help as they look to piece together the events prior to his death.

Police are yet to make any arrests after Matthew John Hall, 35, was found by his flatmate stabbed to death in his bed at his Johnsonville home on Tuesday.

They are also yet to recover a large knife with a serrated edge, believed to have been used in the attack.

Investigation head Detective Senior Sergeant Donna Howard said a number of calls had been made to the free phone number 0508 BRODERICK since it was launched last week but more help was needed.

"Officers conducting an area canvas in the vicinity of Broderick Road have also received lots of useful information, however, police are keen to piece together Matthew Hall's movements on Valentines Day (February 14)," Ms Howard said.

Police today released an image of a car similar to Mr Hall's and wanted to hear from anyone who had seen it.

"If anyone saw Mr Hall or his car, a blue 2002 Toyota Corolla hatchback, registration number ASG960, we really want to hear from you.

"As we said last week, it will be members of the public who help police solve this investigation."

Police yesterday released CCTV images which showed Mr Hall at Woolworths supermarket in Johnsonville - about 1.1km from his address on Broderick Road - where he bought groceries about 11.15pm on Monday.

Police hoped the images would jog the memory of anyone who had seen Mr Hall.

Mr Hall worked as a consumer consultant for Capital & Coast DHB's alcohol and drug services and general adult mental health services. He sang in a death metal band.

On Friday, Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Thornton said the injuries Mr Hall suffered were among the worst he had seen.

"It's a very ferocious and vicious attack on a guy that, from our preliminary reconstruction, was lying on his bed, probably asleep," he said.

Forensic examinations have been conducted at the house and police staff will remain there for several days.

Police also appealed to anyone who saw a person or people entering or leaving 118 Broderick Road, Johnsonville, between midday Monday until Tuesday evening around 6pm, when police were called to the house.

Neighbours were also asked to check their properties, bush areas and rubbish bins for the knife, which may have been discarded by the offender or offenders.

- NZPA