Police investigating the death of Rotorua mother Melissa Jones continue to appeal for information as the investigation remains open.
Melissa, aged 25, was found deceased on the shorefront of Lake Rotorua on 18 October 2019. She was last seen in Rotorua on the weekend of 7–8 October 2019.
Melissa was the mother of two young children. She is remembered by those who knew her.
This year marks seven years since Melissa’s unexplained death, and Police remain committed to establishing the circumstances surrounding what happened to her.
Police have previously released a photo of the clothing believed to have been worn by Melissa before her death — black pants, a black mesh top, and a red garment worn around her waist. These items have not been located, and Police would still like to hear from anyone who may be able to assist with their recovery.
Following a recent coroner’s case management conference, Police have advised both the Coroner and Melissa’s family that the investigation remains open. Any new information that comes to light will continue to be assessed and investigated.
Police believe there are people in the community who may hold information that could assist in establishing what happened to Melissa.
Anyone who may have information is encouraged to come forward.
Anyone with information not already passed on to Police about Melissa’s death can contact Rotorua Police or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, quoting file number 191018/9875.
A red garment around the waist is a gang colour signal…
Possibly attacked by a gang for displaying red?
Rotorua is a hotspot of gang activities and rivalries, and the Covid lock-downs brought this out into the open, especially when the gangs crept into managing the hotels of temporaty accommodation…and-
The bankrupting of Rainbow Springs!
Our last trip into Rotorua, we encountered gangs fighting at petrol stations, stealing food from Pak-N-Save, skimming credit cards near the mall, and scuffles on the streets and alleyways.
We no longer holiday there, or use it as a waypoint stop-over when travelling.
A lot of young women with gang ties seem to end-up deceased…
Parents need to know who their daughters are associating with, and where they are!
Banning the youth from accessing mobile devices where they can call a parent for help is aggravating the problems, and the new stalking law won’t do much, and is flawed due to coincidental meetings…!
Condolences to the family.