Detectives launch homicide investigation into crash that killed four
Police believe a second vehicle was involved in a crash that killed four people earlier this year and have launched a homicide investigation.
Police have launched a homicide investigation and appealed to the public for assistance following a crash that killed four people on NSW’s north coast earlier this year.
Driver Mark Dodds, 36, and passengers Sophie-Lee Fullagar, 33, Benjamin Watego, 50, and James Doherty, 42, were killed after the Mazda BT-50 utility they were travelling in crashed off Back Channel Rd in Wardell.
Police found the blue Mazda BT-50 utility, which had left the road and crashed, after emergency services were called to the scene shortly after 5.45am on Saturday, February 24.
Mr Dodds, Ms Fullagar, Mr Watego and Mr Doherty all died at the scene.
Detectives now believe a second vehicle was involved.
Richmond Police District commander Superintendent Scott Tanner said investigators needed the occupants of the second vehicle to come forward.
“Information provided to police indicates that the vehicle involved is an early 2000s-model silver Toyota Corolla sedan bearing stolen number plates,” Mr Tanner said.
“We believe the occupants of that vehicle would have information crucial to this investigation, and it is essential that they come forward and speak with detectives.
“I appeal for those in that car to contact Lismore police or Crime Stoppers, and callers can remain anonymous if they wish.
“My detectives are working to provide answers for the grieving families of these people, and we know there will be people in our community that have information which will assist investigators.”
Ms Fullagar’s mother remembered the 33-year-old as a person who “never wished harm” on anybody.
“Sophie was a really beautiful girl, she had a heart of gold,” her family told reporters on Tuesday.
“She really had pure intentions as a person, she always wanted the best for everybody.
“She was full of light and love, she was just a really pure soul.”
Ms Fullagar’s mother urged anyone with information to contact police.
“They need to come forward, they need to speak about what happened,” she said.
“My daughter was an innocent victim in this and she deserves justice.
“They all deserve justice because they were all people, they all had families, everybody loved them.
“People need to come forward to the police.
“It would give us some kind of closure. At the moment, we’re all pretty devastated, pretty shattered and we need closure, we deserve that.”
Meanwhile, Mr Doherty’s family said his death was a “tragic loss of life”.
“James was a kind-hearted person. If you needed something he was there,” his family told reporters.
“If anyone has any information, don’t just share it around with your friends, come forward.
“Please do it for their families.
“Those answers would mean there’s justice done and the system does work.
“The only way the system does work is if people come forward and it would give justice to the family.”
Anyone able to identify the occupants of the Toyota Corolla should contact Lismore detectives on 02 6626 0599 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.