Police question Carmen's friend again

The disappearance of escort Carmen Thomas has her workmates baffled. Photo / Supplied

A close friend of Carmen Thomas has been re-interviewed by detectives about the murdered mother's personal relationships.

The 32-year-old South African-born escort has not been seen alive since June 27, but no arrests have been made.

Police have refused to comment on key suspects, saying they are keeping an open mind.

Auckland engineer Brad Callaghan - who had joint custody with Ms Thomas of their 5-year-old son, Jack - has spoken to police several times since his former partner vanished and said they were keeping him informed.

Yesterday, he agreed it was a waiting game. "I don't know any more than what you guys know."

But a young woman who worked with Ms Thomas at a Pakuranga escort agency said she had been questioned about her friend's personal relationships.

Among other questions, detectives asked her about how Ms Thomas and Mr Callaghan got on after they split up and whether relations over Jack were amicable.

They also asked if she knew why Ms Thomas' car might have been dumped in Hamilton.

The escort - who previously told the Herald Mr Callaghan still had feelings for Ms Thomas - told police the pair were on good terms and always put their son first.

She said Ms Thomas approved of Mr Callaghan's new fiancee, reportedly seven months pregnant.

Jack has lived with his father since his mother went missing. Yesterday, Mr Callaghan was undecided about whether to apply for full custody. "I'm not sure what I'm doing there," he said.

Meanwhile, Ms Thomas' friends and family want answers.

On a Facebook page that by yesterday had clocked up 1650 members, one woman questioned why police hadn't done anything about two men of interest identified.

"So they've tracked down two men in the case? What next? I hope the delay is because they've nailed the bastards," wrote Hannah Melhuish.

Lisa Bartlett asked why the men got anonymity. "Do the two men in question have name suppression? They [shouldn't have] rights of protection ... They hurt someone so beautiful, took her away from her son, her family and friends.

"Where is Carmen? Speak up. To you, the ones that know where she is, confess now! Justice will be done for Carmen & for her family."

The owner of another escort agency, where Ms Thomas worked this year, said he and staff were baffled by her disappearance.

"Usually working girls by nature are reasonably savvy."

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