The murder of David John Robinson - 28 December, 1998 - (near) Ross, South Island, New Zealand
Author: A.B.
On 28 December 1998, the decomposed body of a young man was found on a remote beach out of Hokitika, near Ross, a small town on New Zealand’s West Coast. A few days later, fingerprint analysis identified him as David John Robinson, a 25-year-old New Zealander who grew up in the North Island of New Zealand. He had been killed about ten days earlier by a single .22 calibre gunshot to the forehead, likely from a rifle, in what police called an “execution-style” killing.
The autopsy showed that, besides the gunshot wound, David also had a serious skull fracture on the left side. Experts couldn’t tell if this head injury happened before or after he died. The cause of the fracture is still unknown, but it suggests he might have been attacked before being shot. This has led police to consider that there may have been a violent incident shortly before his murder.
David John Robinson grew up as a cheerful, outgoing boy in a loving family, but struggled with behavioral issues and had trouble fitting in, because of his antiauthoritarian attitude. As a teenager, he became increasingly withdrawn. Eventually, he left home and lost contact with his parents about seven years before his death, as he drifted to the West Coast of the South Island. David always loved the outdoors and preferred solitude, moving often and living a transient, hand-to-mouth life. Without any benefits, he sometimes resorted to petty crimes, to survive. His parents remember him as a friendly, adventurous young man whom they love deeply.
Reopening the Case
In 2025, police reopened the investigation into the murder of David John Robinson. A new team of cold case detectives was assigned to look into the case. Their work has already uncovered important new information and changed the direction of the investigation.
One key discovery was about the sea currents in the area. It turns out the current flows south to north, not north to south as previously thought. This means David was probably killed further south, near Bold Head and the Kakapotahi settlement, and his body drifted north to where it was found near Ross. Because the rivers were running high at the time, police think his body might have been dumped in the Kakapotahi River and carried out to sea.
Forensic experts also looked at insect activity on David’s body and combined this with witness reports of a gunshot near the Kakapotahi River. This helped them narrow down the time of death to between December 14 and 18, 1998.
These new findings have given police a clearer timeline, a better idea of where the crime happened, and new leads on possible witnesses and suspects.
A Letter
Some years after the original investigation, someone sent a letter to the Police Commissioner with details about David’s murder. The letter named a person of interest, a location, and a vehicle. Police hope to identify the author through forensic tests, but so far, the writer’s identity remains unknown.
Possible Motives
In the days before his death, David was reportedly at a gathering in the Nelson Quay area of Greymouth. There, he was assaulted by two trainee chefs who were in town for a chef’s course. Learning more about this incident is important, as it may have led to tensions or conflicts that played a role in David’s murder, or could explain the skull fracture found during his autopsy.
Another possible motive is that David may have stolen from the wrong person or trespassed on a cannabis-growing plot. Police believe that people involved in these activities could be capable of violence and might have been involved in his death.
Suspects
Several suspects and persons of interest, many with backgrounds in cannabis growing, have been considered capable of violence. However, police have never found solid evidence directly linking any of them to David’s murder, and no one has been charged.
Still Unsolved
David’s murder remains unsolved, but police hope that new information will lead to a breakthrough and finally bring answers and justice for David and his family.
Do you have any information?
Although it has been years, we still hope that someone has information that could help. Maybe you are that person. If so, please let us know now using the contact form below – even if you’re unsure or think your information might not be important.
Our professional investigative team will independently assess your tip and also ensure it reaches the appropriate police department or sheriff’s office. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can do so by ticking the box provided.
Don’t hesitate – get in touch with us today.
You can also email us at info@coldcaseworld.com.