Police have issued a fresh appeal for information regarding the death of Melissa Jones, a 25-year-old Rotorua mother whose body was discovered on the shorefront of Lake Rotorua on October 18, 2019. Nearly seven years after she was last seen, investigators remain focused on the unexplained case and are seeking public assistance to identify what occurred during the weekend of September 7–8, 2019.
Why investigators are seeking new information
Inspector Herby Ngawhika stated that police remain committed to determining the circumstances surrounding Jones’ death. According to Ngawhika, authorities believe individuals within the Rotorua community may possess details that could assist in the investigation. Police have specifically requested the public’s help in locating clothing Jones was believed to be wearing before she died, described as black pants, a black mesh top, and a red garment worn around her waist. These items remain unrecovered, and police maintain that any new information provided will be assessed and investigated.
Status of the investigation
The investigation into Jones’ death remains open, according to Inspector Ngawhika. Following a recent coroner’s case management conference, police confirmed to both the coroner and the family of the deceased that the file is still active. The case is currently categorized as unexplained, and officials are urging anyone with relevant knowledge to contact the Rotorua police or Crimestoppers. While the investigation has spanned nearly seven years, the commitment to finding answers remains a priority for the department.
What happens next
As the anniversary of the discovery of Jones’ body approaches, the case is likely to remain under active review by the coroner and police. A possible next step involves the assessment of any new leads that may emerge following this public appeal. Should new evidence come to light, investigators could re-examine existing findings to determine if the cause of death can be definitively established. The family of the mother of two continues to wait for clarity, while police indicate that the case will persist until further information allows for a conclusive outcome.
