Police are appealing for information as investigations continue into the murder of a man at Lithgow last month, NSW Police say.
About 12pm last Wednesday (7 September 2016), police from Chifley Local Area Command were called to a home on Main Street, Lithgow, where they located the body of a man.
A post mortem revealed the man sustained stab wounds, and confirmed his identity as 69-year-old resident, Chris Whiteley.
Local detectives, assisted by the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad, have established Strike Force Armor to investigate the circumstances surrounding Mr Whiteley suspected murder.
Chifley Local Area Command Crime Manager, Detective Inspector Luke Rankin, said their inquiries indicate Mr Whiteley was murdered in early August.
"Mr Whiteley’s last contact with family was on Sunday 7 August 2016, and the post mortem examination determined his death to be around this time," Det Insp Rankin said.
"Strike Force detectives have been canvassing the local area to determine his movements around the time he was last in contact with his family.
"In particular, we would like to speak with anyone who may have noticed suspicious activity in the area around this time," Det Insp Rankin said.
Chris Whiteley’s brother, Neil, joined police to appeal for information to locate his killer(s).
"Chris was a quiet, gentle man, who moved to Lithgow because he loved the peaceful community atmosphere," Neil Whiteley said.
"He kept mostly to himself, and we can’t imagine he would have had any enemies or be involved with anyone who could do something like this.
"Our family have been greatly impacted by Chris’ murder and we are calling on the community to provide police with information – no matter how small – to help them bring whoever is responsible to justice," Neil Whiteley said.
Anyone with information that may assist strike force detectives with their inquiries are urged to come forward.
Police are urging anyone with information in relation to this incident to call Crime Stoppers.
