Police name suspect in dairy murder case

Christopher Robert Smith

Police investigating the murder of a dairy worker on Sunday night have released the name of a man they are searching for.

He is Christopher Robert Smith, a 33 year-old Howick tattooist believed to be a methamphetamine user.

Police
investigating the killing of Bhagubhai Vaghela, 58, who was shot at the
Uptown Minimart on Sunday, are co-operating with fellow officers in
other areas.

It's believed Mr Smith can help the police
investigation into an earlier armed robbery at the
Buckland's Beach Superette at about 8.15pm on Sunday June 5.

"This
man is armed and dangerous and we need to speak to him as soon as
possible," Detective Inspector Steve Rutherford, head of the Counties
Manukau CIB, said.

"We'd also very much like to know who the
man is who robbed, while armed with a rifle or shotgun, the Parkside
Dairy on Queen St in Pukekohe at about 4pm on Friday June 10.

"It's
possible that one of these men can help [the Uptown Minimart] homicide
investigation team, but we won't know that until we are able to speak
with them. One thing's for sure, none of us wants another senseless
fatal shooting - anywhere."

He said that of the 17 aggravated
robberies in the Auckland City District from January 1 to June 10 this
year where firearms had been presented to victims, 12 were at
businesses and five were in public places. Alleged offenders had
already been arrested and charged with at least four of those offences.


"The fact we're working together by sharing staff and
information is nothing new. Operation Strike, where 280 charges
involving nine principal alleged offenders relate to more than 160
offence files, was run as a joint operation between our two districts.

"Of
those 280 charges, three relate to aggravated robberies where firearms
were presented between October 2004 and February this year."

Detective
Inspector Bernie Hollewand, who is heading the homicide inquiry, urged
members of the public to contact his inquiry team on 0800 736 325.

- HERALD ONLINE STAFF