Name: Michael McGrath
Date of Birth: aged (49)
Date of Disappearance: 21 May 2017
Ethnicity: European
Location: Checketts Ave, Halswell, Christchurch
Circumstances:
Michael left his home in Checketts Ave, Halswell, Christchurch on May 21, 2017.
Two days later when he failed to turn up for dinner with his mother, which was his normal routine, the family went to Michaels house.They found the house locked, with his wallet and cash inside. Michaels blue 1994 Subaru Legacy was parked in the driveway, the car was normally parked in the garage. His pushbike was also left inside. His phone has not been used since, and his bank account has not been touched.
‘Operation Renovation ‘ was launched when his family reported him missing. And police were seeking sightings of Michael.
Police enquiries centered on a ‘person of interest’ from the beginning of the investigation. On 31 May, police started a search of this persons home, and the the home of his mother, the search would last for ten days. It would later be reported that this person held a firearms licence, and a rifle belonging to them appeared to be missing.
In June flyers were distributed to shops and pubs throughout Halswell and police divers searches he Halswell waterways. Michael’s family and friends also delivered flyers around the Halswell areas.
On June 15, police began to search the Kate Valley Landfill in Waipara. It was reported that the police spent 6000 hours over 70 days and searched through 2700 tonnes of rubbish. About 300 items ere taken from the landfill and a selection of items would be sent to ESR.
A dedicated phone line was setup for information regarding Michael’s disappearance, 0800 FINDMICHAEL ( 0800 346 364). Police appealed for sightings of a late 1990s Silver Toyota Camry.
Several weeks into the investigation, Police sought help from an international expert, Australian Federal Police Commander Mark Harrison.
Police announced that they have identified areas of interest in the greater Christchurch area, Lincoln, Halswell and Ellesmere.
Police conducted area enquiries of hundreds of homes around Halswell and wider Christchurch. Police reviewed CCTV from all major businesses in the area. Thousands of leaflets were distributed across Lincoln, Selwyn and Banks Peninsula.
Police had sightings of interest and significance for the investigation from May 31 through May 22. The sightings included Michael’s blue Subaru Legacy and a silver 1999 silver Toyota Camry.
Police seized and searched a silver a 1999 Toyota Camry,which was dropped off at a Halswell panelbeaters between May 21-23, and then returned, to its owner. Police revealed that ‘the person of interest’ owns a similar car.
Michael’s disappearance was aired on Police Ten 7.
Michael’s brother Simon posted a moving tribute to Michael on his Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/simon.mcgrath.520
Simon states ” We believe that Michael has NOT simply gone walking – Family and Friends believe he will never return. The police are still investigating his disappearance”
A dedicated phone line has been set up for the McGrath case, dubbed Operation Renovation. Anyone with information that could help in the search can call 0800 FINDMICHAEL (0800 346 364) or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
CCTV photo / Detective Inspector Darryl Sweeney screen shot of Michael McGrath at Halswell New World on Friday, 19th May 2017.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/96147689/big-read-100-days-and-no-sign-of-michael-mcgrath
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11955313
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?objectid=11899870
http://www.police.govt.nz/news/release/michael-mcgrath-missing-200-days
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