NZ Police CommCens Alert 14:00 1-11-2007 Canterbury

Location of incident: Christchruch

Incident Type: Bentley Homicide

1 November 2007

Police were approached a year ago by Mr Bruce who was doing a series on cold cases and he wanted to include the Kirsty Bentley murder investigation. We declined to be involved in the programme. We have also declined to be involved in other TV programmes such as Sensing Murder.

The overriding decision for us must always be that there is some investigative value for the case. I have been consistent in my approach regarding this matter for sometime and this is based on legal advice. There is some suggestion that the investigation has tunnel vision. This has never been the case.

The investigation has looked at well over 300 persons of interest, many of whom are yet to be eliminated for a variety of reasons. The investigation was reviewed around March 1999. In September 2001 a further review was conducted which involved experts, investigative practitioners and Crown Solicitors.

In June last year a further independent review was carried out and this almost completed.

The investigation remains open and as I have always said, we are fully committed to solving Kirsty's murder.

Greg Williams Detective Inspector Canterbury CIS (I am only making a written release on this matter)

ENDS

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