Key Takeaways
- A double homicide investigation is underway in Ruatiti, near Whanganui National Park, after the bodies of Brendon and Trina Cole were found on their rural farm.
- Mitchell Cole, 29, has been named as a person of interest in the investigation and a warrant has been issued for his arrest on charges of unlawful possession of firearms.
- The police are searching for Mitchell Cole and have asked the public not to approach him if spotted, but to call 111 instead.
- The couple who were killed were well-known breeders of Mastiff dogs and were respected members of the local community.
- The police are working to locate Mitchell Cole as quickly as possible and are pursuing every lead available to them.
Introduction to the Tragedy
Yesterday was a day with so many different emotions one would think the well was dry. But no, the tears just keep flowing, a post stated, highlighting the overwhelming grief and shock that has gripped the community after the tragic event. Trina Cole was a well-known breeder of Mastiff’s, and the couple had “loved fiercely” their dogs. The post went on to describe the difficult task of managing the situation, with the couple having to deal with the highs and devastating lows of the event.
The Investigation Unfolds
The police have launched a homicide investigation into the deaths of Brendon and Trina Cole, who were shot and left in the driveway of their rural Ruatiti farm. Their bodies were discovered a few days later, and since then, the police have been working tirelessly to locate Mitchell Cole, who has been named as a person of interest in the investigation. Mitchell Cole is an accomplished hunter, with considerable knowledge of the local area, and his Facebook profile shows several pictures of him hunting. The police have asked the public not to approach him if spotted, but to call 111 instead.
The Community in Shock
The deaths of Brendon and Trina Cole have shocked the small rural community in the central North Island. The couple were said to be hardworking sheep farmers and respected members of the local area. Those who knew Mitchell Cole have also posted on social media their shock that the young man was being sought in connection to the double homicide. One ex-associate wrote, “This young man worked for us during the Christchurch earthquake demolition. Please don’t jump to conclusions let the police do there mahi and let the whole investigation run its course then and only then comment.” Another added, “This is a shock to see… I met him and hung out with him a fair bit a few years ago, he was a good guy.”
The Search for Mitchell Cole
The police are searching for Mitchell Cole and have asked hunters to keep out of the search area. The area police are focusing on is very remote, with a number of huts, lodges, and camps. The police have also asked for any information on a quad bike and trailer found in Ruatiti, which may be linked to Mitchell Cole. The quad bike and trailer are currently parked on Murumuru Road in an area known locally as the airstrip. The police are urging anyone with information to come forward and are working to locate Mitchell Cole as quickly as possible.
Honoring the Victims
The post from the couple’s friends and family also paid tribute to Trina Cole, saying, “We will do our best to honour T’s dream by loving her dogs as she did, and continuing on with her breeding plan.” The couple had a deep love for their dogs, and it is clear that they will be deeply missed by their community. The police have also been praised for their respect and professionalism in handling the situation, with the post stating, “I want to thank the armed… [police] who were watching over us for the respect they showed as we stood back and assessed the situation in front of us, before tackling the massive task, and for allowing us to take our time with each and every dog.”
Conclusion
The investigation into the deaths of Brendon and Trina Cole is ongoing, and the police are working to locate Mitchell Cole as quickly as possible. The community is still reeling from the shock of the event, and the outpouring of support for the victims and their family is a testament to the impact they had on those around them. As the police continue to investigate, the community will be waiting with bated breath for any updates on the case, and hoping that justice will be served for the victims and their loved ones.
