By ALISON HORWOOD
Almost a month after the execution-style shooting of Nelson Maori leader Keri Stephens, police are still baffled about the motive for his death.
Detective Inspector John Winter says police are pursuing "multiple lines of inquiry" which include delving into Mr Stephens background in Maoridom, his personal life, his business connections and affiliations with the Lost Breed.
Mr Stephens, a respected Ngati Tama leader with an extensive criminal record and a background as a gang member, was shot around midnight on February 13.
His wife of four months, 36-year-old health worker Bridget Stephens, told police she answered a knock at the door of their house in the remote area of Delaware Bay, 25 km north of Nelson.
An armed balaclava-clad man marched into the house, took Mr Stephens from the bathroom to the bedroom area, and shot him. He and another man, who had waited outside the house, fled in a vehicle.
Mrs Stephens, who police say was unharmed but feared for her life, phoned 111 within minutes. Her call was logged at 12.09 am.
Mr Winter told the Herald he has no reason to doubt Mrs Stephen's story.
Mrs Stephens has said publicly she is aware of rumours she is behind the killing, but did not do it.
Mr Winter says the police are continuing to treat the murder as a local issue unless they learn otherwise.
They believe the last fortnight of his life of Mr Stephens' life may hold the key to his killing and are piecing his movements together with the help of Mrs Stephens, and his son, Andrew, who worked by his side in Maoridom.
"Nothing we have found yet stands out as unusual," says Mr Winter. He says that some issues, such as Waitangi Tribunal and water rights issues need to be investigated back further than the last two weeks.
Police are still seeking a black or dark-coloured Nissan or similar Japanese vehicle that was seen in the area by a motorcyclist and two other motorists.
Police still searching for motive in Stephens killing
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