Police Ten 7 to feature Israel Jack investigation

Retired Detective Inspector Graham Bell and Rotorua head of CIB Detective Senior Sergeant Zane Smith filmed segments of this week's Police Ten 7 programme. Photo / Stephen Parker

Rotorua police have enlisted the help of Police Ten 7 to help solve the death of Israel Jack, who was killed on Te Ngae Rd a month ago.

The TV2 programme will feature the investigation on this Thursday's show, which screens at 7.30pm, and yesterday filmed segments at key locations on Te Ngae Rd.

Mr Jack, known to family and friends as Issy, was 20 years old and lived in Edgecumbe.

The former Rotorua Boys' High School student had been out with friends in the CBD, but had separated and started walking back to where he was staying.

"While this programme goes out nationally, the answer to this will lie in Rotorua," said Police Ten 7 presenter, retired Detective Inspector Graham Bell.

"They're the ones who can provide the information. It only takes a little bit of information, and often people don't realise but it can be important."

Filming took place at Te Ngae Gull, where Mr Jack was spoken to by police, Caltex Te Ngae, where he was last seen alive, and the spot 1.4km from the service station where he was killed.

Inquiry head Detective Senior Sergeant Zane Smith said: "We really appreciate Police Ten 7 coming down and trying to put this out there.

"Hopefully someone will come forward and fill in those gaps that we have.

"It's really important to Israel's family to know what happened between the Caltex and McDonald's. This is a really upsetting time for them.

"There are plenty of people talking about this and we really appreciate people contacting us. If they want to remain anonymous, then Crimestoppers provides that option."

Mr Smith said police wanted to hear from anyone who was in the area between 4.15-4.30am on August 18, anyone with information about the incident, and anyone who knew about Mr Jack's cap, which was found on a fencepost near Pohutukawa Drive two hours after he was killed.

Mr Jack was hit by at least two vehicles. The second driver called emergency services and the first driver, who police said was not aware he had hit a person, came forward after hearing about the incident.

Anyone can call Rotorua police on (07) 348 0099 or call anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.