Katie Treharne
Updated on: October 12, 2024 12:32 am GMT
The search for missing woman Breanna Muriwai has intensified as her mother, Jasmin Gray, organizes a grassroots effort in rural New Zealand. With a convoy making its way toward Mangaweka, local residents have joined in the search, drawn by Gray’s claims that she believes her daughter’s remains are in the area.
Grassroots Search Movement Gathers Momentum
Gray’s efforts have attracted significant attention, with many locals participating in the search. This morning, she posted on a traffic updates Facebook page, notifying drivers about potential delays and congestion on State Highway 1 due to the ongoing search activities.
The search effort comes nearly a year after Muriwai was last seen at Te Horo Beach in August 2022. Despite extensive police investigations and searches undertaken by family and friends, there has been little progress in finding her.
A member of the search party captured a video of the convoy moving through rural roads and arriving in Mangaweka, reflecting on the emotional weight of the search. “Feels yucky when we hit here. Yucky feeling, very secluded,” they commented, highlighting the somber atmosphere surrounding the search efforts.
Key Items to Look For
During the search, Gray briefed the volunteers on specific items that could be relevant to the investigation:
- A red tiger eye bracelet
- House keys
- Any significant personal belongings
Gray emphasized the importance of preserving evidence by reminding participants to wear gloves when handling potential items associated with her daughter.
Local businesses have noted a large turnout of people participating in the search, while police are assisting by managing traffic in the area. Although Gray has communicated with the police, there has not been an official statement from them regarding the current investigation or search efforts.
The Timeline of Disappearance
Breanna Muriwai was last seen on the morning of August 28, 2022. Here’s a brief timeline of events leading up to her disappearance:
- August 26, 2022: Muriwai was picked up by a male friend in Wellington.
- August 27, 2022: They traveled to Palmerston North, where they stayed until late Saturday night. Last CCTV footage of Muriwai was captured at a liquor store around 11:15 AM.
- August 28, 2022: Muriwai and her friends headed back to her home, stopping occasionally. They picked up another male friend along the way.
- 4:00 AM: Muriwai was last seen at Te Horo Beach, reportedly having run off down the beach and was not seen again.
Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Thompson provided insight into her last known whereabouts, stating that Muriwai’s movements and those of her companions have been thoroughly examined by investigators.
Difficult Personal Struggles
Gray has been vocal about her feelings regarding the investigation and her daughter’s fate. In a Facebook live session last year, just before the one-year anniversary of Muriwai’s disappearance, Gray shared her discussions with detectives who suggested that Muriwai was unlikely to return alive. This heartbreaking message resonated with over 5,000 viewers as Gray urged the public to remain vigilant for any information relating to her daughter.
Prior to her disappearance, police had identified a purple suitcase as significant in the investigation. Gray has also shared a recording of conversations where individuals claimed to have relevant information concerning this suitcase.
Community Support and Ongoing Efforts
The recent surge in community involvement comes as Gray has called for a convoy to honor her daughter on Kāpiti Coast. Local participation reflects a strong community commitment to finding Muriwai and seeking justice.
In addition to the physical searches, the ongoing emotional toll on her family underscores the complexities of this distressing case. As the search continues, local residents remain hopeful for closure for Gray and her family.
The search for Breanna Muriwai shows how strong a community can be when facing hard times. Many volunteers, friends, and family are working together, all wanting to find answers. They are going through fields and woods, determined to help and find justice for Breanna.
