Hawke’s Bay homicide: Police appeal for sightings of white Mazda 3 in case of slain Rotorua woman Sharlene Smith

They are appealing for sightings of it between 8am and “approximately midday” on Sunday, February 1.

The car travelled from the Awatoto area, through Taihape Rd/Omahu Rd and the Fernhill area and into Marewa, Napier.

“We are asking anyone who saw this vehicle, or who has home, business or dashcam CCTV footage from those areas during that time, to please contact police if not already spoken to,” Payne said.

The white 2005 Mazda 3 sports hatchback police are searching for in connection to the death of Sharlene Smith in Hawke’s Bay.

Detective Inspector James Keene said Smith was a much-loved mother, grandmother and sister, and police were determined to find answers for her whānau.

The route police say the Mazda took the day Sharlene Smith’s body was dumped in Omahu.

Police are also seeking a handbag and a Samsung Galaxy A06 mobile phone that belonged to Smith and are believed to have been discarded along the car’s route.

Police urge anyone with information to get in touch through 105, either online or by calling 105, and referencing file number 260203/9739.

Information can be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

The handbag police are looking for after the death of Sharlene Smith.An earlier version of this story incorrectly said the car was left at the worksite.