Parakao homicide investigation: Man charged with murder of Geoffrey Ware

Police have charged a 26-year-old man with the murder of Parakao man Geoffrey Ware.

The 55-year-old’s body was found at his home just before 4pm on May 9.

Police opened a homicide investigation named Operation Cossar.

The man police have charged is remanded in custody and will appear in the High Court at Whangārei on Monday, May 26.

Police were not seeking anyone else in connection with Ware’s death.

Detective Senior Sergeant Michelle Harris of the Whangārei Criminal Investigation Branch said police were appealing for information and sightings of a 1999 blue and silver Mitsubishi L200 and a man in the Parakao area between 8am and 6.15pm on May 9, a Friday.

“We are also interested in sightings of a man reportedly seen walking along State Highway 14 that afternoon and evening,” Harris said.

People can provide information via an online portal set up by the Operation Cossar inquiry team.

“The inquiry is ongoing and we appreciate all the help we’ve received from members of the public,” Harris said.

“We’re appealing to anyone who hasn’t come forward to please contact us.”

Brodie Stone covers crime and emergency for the Northern Advocate. She has spent most of her life in Whangārei and is passionate about delving into issues that matter to Northlanders and beyond.