New Zealand Police Release CCTV Images Of Fugitive And Child After Four-Year Search

James

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Post on Aug 29, 2025

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New Zealand Police Release CCTV Images of Fugitive and Child After Four-Year Search

A nationwide manhunt intensifies as New Zealand Police release crucial CCTV images of a fugitive and a child, four years after they vanished. The images, released today, offer a renewed glimmer of hope in the long-running search for 38-year-old David Bennett and his 7-year-old daughter, Lily Bennett. The pair disappeared from their Auckland home in 2019, sparking a widespread investigation that has spanned the country.

This development marks a significant turning point in the case, reigniting public interest and prompting a fresh wave of appeals for information. The previously unseen CCTV footage shows Bennett and Lily at a petrol station in the South Island approximately two weeks after their disappearance. Police are hopeful that the images, showing a clearer depiction of both individuals, will finally provide the crucial breakthrough needed to locate them.

Key Details from the CCTV Footage

The released images depict Bennett and Lily at a Z Energy petrol station in Queenstown, approximately 1600km from their Auckland home. The footage, which has been meticulously analyzed by forensic experts, shows:

• Bennett: Appearing slightly disheveled but otherwise unchanged from his police description. He's wearing a dark jacket and baseball cap.
• Lily: Wearing a bright pink coat and carrying a small backpack. Her appearance is consistent with her age at the time of the disappearance.

Detective Inspector Michael Johnson, the lead investigator on the case, stated, "We believe these images are crucial to locating David and Lily. The fact that they were sighted in Queenstown suggests they may have been travelling, potentially attempting to remain undetected."

Renewed Appeal for Information

Police are urging anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to come forward immediately. Even minor details, such as vehicle descriptions or sightings, could prove invaluable in piecing together their movements over the past four years. The police have established a dedicated tip-line (0800 555 111) and are actively encouraging members of the public to contact them anonymously via Crimestoppers.

"Four years is a long time for a family to be separated," DI Johnson added, emphasizing the emotional toll on loved ones. "We understand the distress this has caused, and we're committed to bringing David and Lily home safely."

The Importance of Public Engagement in Missing Person Cases

This case underscores the crucial role public engagement plays in solving missing person investigations. The release of the CCTV footage is a testament to the enduring power of community involvement and the collective effort required to bring missing individuals home. The New Zealand Police have consistently highlighted the importance of reporting any suspicious activity or information relating to missing persons. .

What Happens Next?

Police are currently pursuing numerous lines of inquiry based on the new information gleaned from the CCTV footage. The investigation remains active and ongoing, with a dedicated team focusing on analyzing the images and following up on all leads. Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses. The public's continued support and cooperation are vital in this ongoing search for David and Lily Bennett.

Keywords: New Zealand Police, Fugitive, Missing Child, David Bennett, Lily Bennett, CCTV Footage, Queenstown, Auckland, Missing Person Case, Manhunt, Police Appeal, Crimestoppers, Investigation.