Key Takeaways
- A double homicide occurred in the small farming community of Ruatiti in the Central North Island, resulting in the deaths of Brendon and Trina Cole.
- The couple’s son, Mitchell Cole, is missing and has been identified as a person of interest in the homicide investigation.
- Police are searching for Mitchell Cole in the Ruatiti bush and have warned the public not to approach him if spotted.
- A second man is being sought in relation to the homicide, who was seen near the intersection of Pukekaha Road and Rautiti Road in Ruatiti.
- The investigation is ongoing, and police have not released information on the cause of death or whether Mitchell Cole is armed.
Introduction to the Incident
It has been over a week since a devastating double homicide shook the small farming community of Ruatiti in the Central North Island. On Saturday, 13 December, the bodies of 56-year-old Brendon Cole and his 54-year-old wife, Trina Cole, were discovered at their property on Murumuru Road. The couple, who were well-respected members of their community, left behind a son, 29-year-old Mitchell Cole, who is now at the center of a massive police search operation. The police have identified Mitchell Cole as a person of interest in their homicide investigation, and his whereabouts are currently unknown.
The Search for Mitchell Cole
The police have been searching the Ruatiti bush for Mitchell Cole, who is believed to be an experienced outdoorsman with the skills and knowledge to survive in the bush for an extended period. A friend of the Cole family described Mitchell as an "exceptional bushman" who knows the area well. The police have also confirmed that Mitchell Cole is likely accompanied by the family’s Blue Neapolitan Mastiff dog, Rumble, which was missing when friends went to collect the couple’s dogs after the incident. The police have warned the public to be vigilant and report any sightings of Mitchell Cole or the dog, but to not approach him under any circumstances.
The Investigation So Far
The police have been tight-lipped about the progress of their investigation, but they have confirmed that they are still searching for Mitchell Cole in the Ruatiti bush. They have also released a description of a second man who is being sought in relation to the homicide, who was seen near the intersection of Pukekaha Road and Rautiti Road in Ruatiti at around 6pm on Saturday, 13 December. The man is described as being in his late 20s or early 30s, 1.83 meters tall, clean-shaven, and with a lean athletic build. The police have not released any information on the cause of death or whether Mitchell Cole is armed, and a warrant for his arrest has been issued for unlawful possession of firearms.
Community Reaction
The community of Ruatiti has been left reeling from the tragedy, with many describing the Cole family as "hard-working" and "really good, genuine people." Trina Cole was well-known in the Neapolitan Mastiff breeding community, and the couple’s death has sent shockwaves through the community. The police have asked the public to remain vigilant and report any unusual findings or sightings of Mitchell Cole or the dog. The Defence Force has also been involved in the search operation, although the extent of their involvement is not clear.
Conclusion
The investigation into the double homicide in Ruatiti is ongoing, and the police are working tirelessly to locate Mitchell Cole and bring him to justice. The community is still trying to come to terms with the tragedy, and the police are urging anyone with information to come forward. As the search for Mitchell Cole continues, the police are warning the public to be cautious and to not approach him if spotted. The case is a reminder of the importance of community vigilance and the need for cooperation with law enforcement to bring those responsible for crimes to justice.
