-
Joseph Reekers - Source: ONE News -
Watch Video
-
Related
The long-running murder mystery of Marie Jamieson that
captivated many around the country has finally been solved after a
shocking admission.
In a surprise move on Wednesday Joseph Reekers pleaded guilty to
murdering the Auckland hairdresser, who was last seen alive outside
a service station in Kingsland in February 2001.
The 23-year-old disappeared eight years ago sparking a massive
search and a drawn-out police investigation.
They finally nabbed a suspect after advances in DNA technology.
After evading police for almost a decade Reekers has finally admitted he killed Jamieson.
Marie's father Jerry Jamieson says it was an unexpected admission but that they are very happy.
He says after witnessing the character assassination of Sophie Elliot in the murder trial of her ex boyfriend Clayton Weatherston, the upcoming trial was weighing heavily on the family.
"It was very much in our minds that this trial was not going to be a very easy and not having it there makes a huge difference and a huge weight of our shoulders," Gerry says.
Reekers was charged in June last year with the rape and murder of Marie.
It was a major police breakthrough as it was coming seven years after Marie's naked body was found dumped behind a factory in west Auckland.
Reekers, a sickness beneficiary, only became a suspect two months before his arrest with advances in DNA testing playing a vital part.
Detective Inspector Steven Wood says New Zealand police do not give up.
"They remain open and as the time passes technology gets better and better and it doesn't matter if its two years or 20," says Wood.
The original investigation struggled for leads despite extensive publicity and a $50,000 reward.
For her family, the guilty plea still doesn't end the nine year ordeal.
"After sentencing I think we will finally feel that sense of real relief, but today is a good day," says Gerry.
Reekers will be sentenced in April next year.
