24 Jan 2024

Waikato River death: Police appeal for sightings of victim John Isaac

8:40 am on 24 January 2024
Waikato river near Fairfield Bridge, Hamilton

File photo. Police want to hear from anyone who saw unusual activity at any of the Waikato River bridges between Hamilton and Ngaruawahia on the aft,ernoon of Thursday 18 January. Photo: 123rf

Police investigating the homicide of a Hamilton man found dead in the Waikato River are appealing for sightings of the victim or unusual activity around the Waikato River.

The body of John Isaac, 52, was found by members of the public on 18 January. Following a post-mortem police launched a homicide investigation.

Investigators are continuing to piece together Isaac's movements and are appealing to anyone who may have seen or interacted with him during in hours or days leading up to his death.

He was believed to have travelled around the Hamilton area and was last seen wearing black cargo pants and a green pattern camouflage t-shirt.

Police want to hear from anyone who saw unusual activity at any of the bridges between Hamilton and Ngaruawahia on the afternoon of Thursday 18 January, and asked for photos or videos people on the river or its pathways and banks may have taken.

"This is an incredibly distressing time for Mr Isaac's whanau who are being supported by NZ Police and Victim Support," Detective Senior Sergeant Ross Patterson said.

Police were not releasing details on the cause of death to protect the investigation in its early stages, he said.

The public can also expect to see an increased police presence along the Waikato River area while inquiries are conducted in the next few days.

Anyone with information can call 105, or make a report online at 105.police.govt.nz or provide information anonymously to CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.