On October 13, 1985, Arthur Easton was murdered in an attack by an unknown assailant. 

Only a woollen hat and bayonet were recovered during the initial investigation.

The woollen hat was recovered from the scene. Photo / supplied

Now,  Police are announcing a $100,000 reward and launching an 0800 number in hopes of leading to an arrest.

“The investigation is being run out of Counties Manukau district, with a team of professional and highly motivated investigators,” Detective Inspector Warrick Adkin said.

It is the first step in the Police’s public appeal, and they are determined to hold the person responsible 39 years after the death of Easton. 

“As part of this reward, immunity against prosecution will be considered for any accomplice, not being a principal offender, who gives information or evidence that leads to a successful conviction,” Detective Inspector Adkin said.

The reward will remain in place until January 24 2025.

At 8pm on October 13, a male intruder entered Grove Road, Papakura, when one of Easton’s sons had disturbed the intruder, alerting the whole household. 

Arthur and his two teenage sons confronted this intruder in the hallway, leading to a violent altercation. The 52-year-old received multiple stab wounds and later died at the scene.

The bayonet. Photo / supplied

No suspect was ever found, and the crime has gone unsolved for 40 years.

“We know there will be people still in the community today that know who is responsible,” Detective Inspector Adkin said. 

“Time can help bring perspective and, in this case, it might be an opportunity to get this off your conscience.”

As part of this operation, Police have been reviewing evidence gathered in 1985, and Detective Inspector Adkin said the Easton family deserve answers.

“The violent actions that night have denied the Eastons important years with Arthur, and we need to bring them some closure.”

Police have ruled out Alan Hall, who had been wrongfully convicted of the murder and was awarded $4,933,725 compensation in 2023.

“Police are conscious that charges have been laid over actions taken in the original homicide investigation and subsequent appeals,” Detective Inspector Adkin said. 

“What we are very clear about is that Alan Hall is not the man responsible for Arthur’s death.”

The family were robbed of a kindhearted hardworking father 39 years ago, said the Easton family in a statment.

"He would have liked nothing better than seeing his children grow up, be there for their important moments and would have loved being a grandfather."

Police have also announced a direct line to the investigation team through the creation of an 0800 number and email address.

Contact the investigation team at 0800 GROVE 1985 or Operation.Grove1985@police.govt.nz.

You can also provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 0800 555 111.

Please use the reference number 200520/4108.