Police officers working on the murder of Wellington woman Lois Tolley say they're closing in on finding her killers two years after she died.
Four intruders broke in to Ms Tolley's Upper Hutt home and shot her as she tried to escape, leaving her dead on the floor.
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Detective Senior Sergeant Glenn Barnett, the officer in charge of the homicide investigation, said evidence shows Ms Tolley was targeted by her killers and connected to her involvement in the Upper Hutt drug scene.
He called her killing "tragic and senseless" and said it's believed the four people who broke into Ms Tolley's house were carrying out some form of taxing or debt collection, or looking for drugs for themselves.
"Lois was no threat to anyone, and even the most hardened criminals and gang members have said her death was a cowardly act and completely unnecessary," Det Snr Sgt Barnett said in a statement.
Her family is still devastated following the incident and says it feels like no time has passed since she was killed.
"I just want to put my arms around her and never let her go. They stole her future away from her and have devastated ours," her mother Catherine said.
"It is so hard not hearing her voice and seeing her beautiful smile. We know that [Lois] was not perfect - nobody is - but [Lois] was our perfect."
The investigation began with over 130 persons of interest and has included interviewing people in Australia over the two year span, but Det Snr Sgt Barnett said he's in it for the long haul.
He said he knows there are important witnesses that need to be spoken to, and urged anyone with any information to contact the police and let them know.
"While some of these associates are unwilling to provide formal statements, there are some who have provided formal statements, allowing us to build a solid group of witnesses who are signed up to give evidence when we're able to bring the case to court," Det Snr Sgt Barnett said.
"We know that as well as the four individuals directly involved in the events at Lois' home that night, there are others who were involved either directly before or after her murder. We also believe that there are others who have information which could help us close this case, who have not yet spoken to us.
"There are a number of people who are nervous about speaking to police or providing us with a formal statement, for any number of reasons."
Det Snr Sgt Barnett said those people may not have spoken to police due to perceived loyalties to those involved, or not liking the police.
"To those people, I would urge them look past their nerves or antipathy to police. Think about the devastation Lois' death has caused her family and loved ones."
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Operation Archer team at Lower Hutt Police Station on (04) 560 2600 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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