A 15-year-old, jointly charged with the murder of an Ōkaihau man, has been on the run since the New Year after escaping from a youth justice facility.
Michael John Biggins, 62, was found in a vehicle crashed in a paddock off Imms Rd on September 27.
He died at the scene, despite the efforts of emergency services.
The incident was initially believed to have been a car crash but police later charged two teenagers with Biggins' murder.
A 15-year-old is facing a charge of murdering Biggins using a stabbing/cutting weapon.
He entered a not guilty plea and is set to go to trial at the High Court at Whāngarei in March 2023.
A 12-year-old has appeared before the Youth Court.
Neither can be named due to their ages.
The Herald has learned that the 15-year-old was being held in custody at a North Island facility awaiting his next court appearance but absconded earlier this month.
The facility is run by Oranga Tamaraki.
Police are seeking the teenager and say they are concerned about his welfare.
"He does have family in the Masterton and Northland areas so there is a possibility that he has travelled to these regions," they said.
"If anyone sees him, we would ask that they please call 111 rather than approach him.
"It's important that anyone with information on his whereabouts contacts police as we want to ensure he is safe."
The Herald has sought further comment from police and Oranga Tamariki about how and when exactly he escaped and what is being done to locate the murder accused.
- by Anna Leask
Take your Radio, Podcasts and Music with you