On the two-year anniversary of Hawke’s Bay teenager Ariki Rigby’s death, her family has issued a fresh plea for those who may know who was responsible to come forward.
The 18-year-old’s body was found in a burnt-out car in Havelock North in September 2022.
Two years on, no-one has been arrested in the homicide investigation, but police say they are committed to bringing those responsible to justice.
“It has been two years since we lost Ariki, and the hurt is still there. We don’t wish this feeling upon anyone,” Rigby’s family said in a statement this morning.
“She had her whole life ahead of her and was taken from us far too soon.”
The statement urged those responsible to come forward and speak with police.
“People out there know who is responsible for her death, and now is the time more than ever to break the silence and talk to Police.”
“Ariki would have turned 21 later this month and instead of celebrating with her, we are left holding onto the memory of our beautiful girl who we wish dearly was still with us today.”
Police acknowledged the anniversary and said it was “an extremely difficult day” for Rigby’s friends and whānau.
“Our thoughts remain with them as they continue on the journey of life without Ariki by their side,” Detective Senior Sergeant James Keene said.
Ariki Rigby’s body was found in a burnt-out car in Havelock North. (Source: 1News)
He said police “remain committed” to holding those responsible to account and provide Rigby’s whānau with “the closure they are yet to receive”.
“Over the last two years, a dedicated investigation team with a wealth of experience has worked tirelessly on this case, reviewing hundreds of hours of footage, and assessing every piece of information Police receive in relation to Ariki’s death,” Keene said.
“I am so proud of the team who have dedicated so much time to this investigation, we all want to reach the same outcome, and bring the whānau closure after two long, painful years without Ariki.
“Her life was taken far too soon, in unfathomable circumstances.”
He urged anyone with information on Rigby’s death to come forward and talk to police.
“People will be out there who know what happened to Ariki, and we urge them to do the right thing.”
Anyone with information that may help the investigation is being asked to call police via 105, referencing file number 220905/1265.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.