Police investigating Opotiki homicide seek motorist who picked up hitchhiker
Bay of Plenty Police investigating the death of Robyn Alicia Crawford (known as Alicia) in Opotiki on 19 February would
like to speak to a motorist who picked up a hitchhiker between Te Kaha Medical Centre and Waihau Bay that day.
“We believe that a motorist picked up a young Māori man hitchhiking between the medical centre and Waihau Bay, sometime
between midday and 5pm,” says Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Standen.
“We’d like to hear from that motorist, or from anyone who saw a hitchhiker fitting that description in the area during
that time.”
Police have charged a 27-year-old Opotiki man with murder in relation to Alicia’s death.
He is remanded in custody and is scheduled to reappear in Tauranga High Court on 14 March 2018.
“We are extremely grateful to the Opotiki and Te Kaha communities, as well as the wider Eastern Bay of Plenty region,
for the assistance and information they have provided the investigation team to date.
This enabled a quick arrest, which has brought some relief to Alicia’s whānau.”
If you can help with our ongoing enquiries into Alicia’s death, please contact Detective Sergeant Darren Thomas at
Whakatane Police on 07 308 5255.
Information can also be provided via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS