Police have released details of the suspect and the items left at the scene of the fatal home invasion in Kaikohe.
Linda Woods, 71, was seriously injured during a struggle with the intruder at around 11:30pm on Thursday night. Despite efforts from emergency services to revive her, she died at the scene.
Police have launched a homicide investigation and are seeking a man who fled the Taraire Street address on foot, leaving behind some shoes and clothing.
On Saturday, Police said they can now release details and images of these items.
"A pair of shoes were located placed on the ground outside the property," said Detective Inspector Rhys Johnston, Northland CIB.
"They are size US13 New Balance Versi Comfort Ride sneakers, colour dark grey and black."
Woods' niece has revealed details about what unfolded during the shocking home invasion.
"He ripped out... those tubes up her nose, the breathing ones," Shianne Maaka told the NZ Herald. "He was beating her up. She took a lot, you know, she took quite a bit of a beating."
Police say during the struggle at the address the man's shorts came off, and were left behind.
They are described as grey/faded black cut-off jean shorts, with a button fly made up of black buttons that include a 'B' shaped logo.
After interviewing witnesses, Police can now release a description of man they are hunting.
He is described as male, Māori or Polynesian, aged somewhere between 40-60 years old, and is solidly built. He has dark-coloured short hair speckled with grey, possibly, curly.
Along with the shorts, he was wearing a dark-coloured basketball-style singlet, with thin red and white piping around the sleeves and collar. He was wearing another short-sleeved top under the singlet.
"We have every confidence that someone in our Kaikohe community knows this man. We are urging you to do the right thing and come forward to us," said Det Insp Johnston.
"Additionally, if you saw this man around the time of the incident and have any information about him or his movements, please also get in touch."
You can do so by calling 105 and quoting file number 230602/1746. Information can also be shared anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
