Police investigating the tragic death of Baby Ru have recovered critical evidence following a targeted search in a semi-rural area north of Wellington, prompted by newly acquired information not previously available.
The search focused on a specific site along Moonshine Road, just off State Highway 58, approximately a 20-minute drive from Baby Ru’s home in Taita, where he sustained fatal injuries on 22 October 2023. During this recent operation, police located items considered highly relevant to the investigation, which are now undergoing forensic analysis.
Detective Inspector Pritchard, who leads the investigation, says the fresh information did not originate from public tips but was essential to guiding this search effort. “This was information that wasn’t available when Ru died,” says Detective Inspector Pritchard. “Part of that work included searching for items that have been deliberately concealed.”
Police are urging individuals familiar with Moonshine Road to report any unusual activities or objects seen on the day of the incident last year. The police specifically request sightings of a Grey-Green 1994 Nissan Sentra with the registration TE6972 (similar to the below pictured) believed to have transported items from the crime scene.
“Our message to them is please contact us if you saw something out of place on 22 October last year,” says Detective Inspector Pritchard, stressing the importance of community awareness as the investigation progresses.
Anyone with information relevant to the case is asked to contact police on 105, quoting file number 231022/1708. Additionally, tips can be submitted anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-nz.org.