Arthur Easton was killed in 1985, but the search for his killer continues.
Photograph: Given / Police

A private detective who helped prove Alan Hall’s innocence believes others know the identity of Arthur Easton’s true killer.

The nearly 40-year-old case was reopened after the conviction of Hall, who was initially found guilty of murder, was overturned.

Easton, 52, was stabbed to death by an intruder at his home in Papakura in October 1985.

Police are now offering a $100,000 reward to anyone with information leading to a conviction, and immunity to anyone who helps or protects the killer.

Tim McKinnel
Photograph: RNZ/Cole Eastham-Farrelly

Private investigator Tim McKinnel, who worked on Hall’s case, believed there were people in the Papakura community who knew the identity of the killer.

“It is undoubtedly true that there will be people in the community who know who killed Arthur Easton,” he said.

“In our work to review and execute Alan’s wrongful conviction case, we have formed our own views of what might have happened, and there is certainly the possibility that other people may have been implicated in the real culprit.”

He said police kept Hall and his family informed as the investigation progressed.

“Alan is very aware of what is going on, he and his family have had a good relationship with the police for the last 12 or 18 months and they are kept up to date on what the police are doing,” he said. .

“Alan is eager to catch Arthur Easton’s killer. It’s incredibly painful to be in prison for a murder you didn’t commit, knowing that the person who committed it faces no responsibility. This is your opportunity to find him. person who brings responsibilities.”

But McKinnel said police would have a hard time investigating a murder so long after it occurred.

“When you’re trying to solve an almost 40-year-old murder, it’s an inherently complex investigation,” he said.

“It won’t be easy, but it is possible and the police clearly think offering a reward is an appropriate tactic.”