Another plea over woman's fiery murder

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 2:09p.m.

Eleven years after a woman met a horrifying and fiery death, police say her killer must still be finding it hard to live with their conscience.

Claire Hills, 30, was beaten unconscious before she had petrol poured over her in the back of her Mazda hatchback and was set alight on Mangere Mountain, south Auckland, on April 28, 1998.

The killing horrified the country and police classified it as one of New Zealand's most brutal murders.

A few months after the murder a $50,000 reward was posted, one of the largest in the country's criminal history.

It failed to produce any clues about the killer and it lapsed.

Another reward which expired on October 1 this year, also failed to produce any leads.

Police said today there was a good chance someone other than just the killer knew what happened.

"I am convinced there is somebody out there who knows something about it who for whatever reason has not contacted us yet," said Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Lynch of Counties Manukau police.

In the first reward notices immunity was offered for anyone other than the principal offender.

The immunity clause was also included in the second reward and Mr Lynch said although it had now expired, police would consider a reward for information leading to the killer.

He said even 11 years after Ms Hills died a promise of anonymity might be "an avenue for someone who might want to give us some fresh information".

He said Ms Hills died a horrifying death.

"She was burnt while she was still alive and it will be hard to see how any rational human being couldn't have had some thoughts of that going through their mind."

He said it would be very hard for the killer to keep quiet about his horrible crime.

Anyone with information should call the Operation Hills office on 0800 OP HILLS (0800 674 4557).

NZPA

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