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Katrina Jefferies - Source: ONE News
The cold case of who killed Auckland mother Katrina Jefferies
has puzzled police for more than six years.
The 22-year-old's semi-naked body was found dumped in the suburb of
Waikowhai, with few clues as to how she got there.
Today an inquest into her death was held, but shed little light on
her murder.
Jefferies' death was no accident, but Coroner Gordon Matenga says details about how she died will not be revealed.
"If the cause of death is made known to the public generally then that could compromise their ongoing investigation," Matenga said.
The young mother's body was found next to a painting, a yellow raincoat, a piece of plywood and trash bag, in Waikowhai Reserve, just over one kilometre from her home on the morning of July 12, 2005.
She had suffered injuries to her upper body.
Detective Senior Sergean Gerry Whitley said she was not killed in Waikowhai Reserve but dumped there after her death.
More than 750 people have been interviewed over her death and 60 became persons of interest, but to date the crime remains unsolved.
Police say several people have claimed to have killed Jefferies, but can't say exactly how they killed her which is why details of how she died will remain secret.
"One person in particular writes to me quite regularly saying that he did it. And I'm able to dismiss that until he is able to tell us information that is actually correct," Whitley said.
Not even a $50,000 reward on offer has turned up any leads, although police say every month more details emerge.
"It's actually quite heartening that I continue to get information. And I've always said we only get there with the help of the public," Whitley said.
The coroner's findings today were that Jefferies was the victim of a homicide but there is insufficient evidence to establish anything else.
"This is through no fault of the police. In my view their investigation carried out to date has been extensive and thorough," Matenga said.
Jefferies' family will finally be issued with an official death certificate but still lack the answer to who killed her.
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