Rotorua woman's death treated as homicide after body found at worksite
Rotorua woman's death treated as homicide after body found at worksite
Rotorua woman's death treated as homicide after body found at worksite
Police are treating the death of a 64-year-old Rotorua woman, Sharlene Smith, as a homicide. Smith was found dead at a worksite on Taihape Road in Omahu on February 3, 2026. Authorities are now appealing for public help in tracing her final movements. Sharlene Smith's body was discovered two days after she was last seen. Investigators believe she may have been in a white 2005 Mazda 3 sports hatchback on February 1, 2026. The vehicle was reportedly travelling between Awatoto and Napier between 8am and midday that day. Police are also searching for Smith's missing belongings: a handbag and a Samsung Galaxy A06 mobile phone. These items are thought to have been discarded along the route taken by the Mazda 3. Detectives have asked anyone with CCTV footage from Awatoto, Taihape Road/Omahu Road, Fernhill, or Marewa on February 1 to come forward. So far, no additional suspects or leads have been publicly identified in the case. The investigation remains active, with police urging the public to share any relevant information. The recovered evidence and witness accounts could prove crucial in determining what happened to Sharlene Smith. Anyone with details is asked to contact authorities immediately.