Two weeks ago, Lance John Murphy walked out of a Warkworth petrol station, got into his red Mazda and drove off. He has not been seen since.
The 56-year-old was caught on camera at 6.36pm on November 21. Five days later, police searching for Mr Murphy found his Mazda at a property less then 2km from where this photo was taken.
Police ramped up the investigation into Mr Murphy's disappearance when his blood was found through his car.
The Goatley Rd property was home to Steven Brent Gunbie, who was released from prison in September and has a "lengthy" criminal history, including an arrest for a gunpoint kidnapping.
The 37-year-old is currently wanted for failing to appear in court on a charge of driving without a licence. Police are now appealing for sightings or information about him and Mr Murphy.
Detective Inspector Uraia Vakaruru would not be drawn on the specifics of the investigation; however, he believed Gunbie was connected to Mr Murphy's disappearance.
Mr Vakaruru and the Operation Cosmos team are now trying to piece together how the men were connected, and what happened to Mr Murphy last month.
Mr Vakaruru revealed that the crew of the Eagle police helicopter had provided the best clue in the mysterious disappearance.
During a flyover of the Warkworth area, they spotted Mr Murphy's Mazda parked at Gunbie's place.
It was not concealed and "stuck out" to searchers, Mr Vakaruru said.
Gunbie was not at the property when police arrived.
"We identified blood in the vehicle and ... initial forensic examinations would suggest that the blood is Mr Murphy's," Mr Vakaruru said.
He would not be drawn on where in the car the blood was found, how much or whether the volume indicated a loss of life.
"We are still working on exactly what linked Lance Murphy to the Warkworth area. We are aware of common associates he had with Gunbie," he said.
"With every day that passes and we don't hear anything from Lance Murphy, there is a growing concern for his safety and welfare. That concern is shared by police and Mr Murphy's family. It is really vital that we get information from the public."
Mr Murphy has adult children living in the Waiuku area, where he lived. He also has siblings around the country. They are not ready to speak publicly about his disappearance but his sister posted a photo of him on Facebook and said: "Please find my brother. Help bring him home."
Police have been monitoring Gunbie's Facebook page, and those of others linked to him, for clues.
"As well, we are getting information in through Crimestoppers and the Operation Cosmos line and we are working through a lot of different avenues," Mr Vakaruru said.
Last night, Gunbie appeared to be taunting police via Facebook. On a post where police were appealing for information, a message from Gunbie's profile said, "here I am."
The poster then said he was "driving around without a licence".
Gunbie's Facebook profile photo was updated hours after the police appeal and this were published on a number of media websites.
Gunbie is the brother of Renee Gunbie, who lost a hand when she was attacked by Antoine Dixon with a Samurai sword in 2003.
In 2004, Steven Gunbie was arrested in relation to a home invasion-style robbery of a drug house north of Auckland. He was charged with kidnapping and robbing a man while armed with a .22 calibre gun. The Herald has been unable to confirm Gunbie was convicted of the charges.
His most recent stint in prison followed a police operation that targeted an organised crime syndicate involved in making and selling methamphetamine. In October last year, he was jailed for 22 months, but was released on September 9 after serving half that sentence.
At his sentencing last year in the High Court at Auckland, Justice Susan Thomas outlined Gunbie's criminal history and background. "You have a lengthy criminal record, with 28 convictions in the last 10 years alone."
A probation report stated Gunbie "appeared almost dismissive when asked" about past offending.
Said Justice Thomas: "[The probation officer] considers that you are unmotivated to change. She notes that you have seven breaches of sentences dating back to 1994 and numerous convictions involving aggression towards police and prison staff. She is concerned that you pose a risk of harm to others if that attitude remains unaddressed. She notes that for around six months in 2009 you were seen by an independent psychologist in prison to address your anger issues."
Cops' warning: Do not approach Gunbie
Police say anyone who knows where Gunbie is should contact them urgently. Anyone who saw Mr Murphy before he disappeared should also speak to police.
"Every bit of information helps," Detective Inspector Uraia Vakaruru said.
Gunbie is believed to have access to firearms and should not be approached, he said.
Call the Operation Cosmos investigation team on 0508 422 443. To pass on information anonymously, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
- by Anna Leask
