Police are appealing for information as a homicide investigation is launched following a fatal crash near Wardell earlier this year.
Shortly after 5.45am on Saturday, 24 February, 2024, emergency services were called to Back Channel Road, Wardell, following reports of a crash.
Officers attached to Richmond Police District attended and located a blue Mazda BT50 utility that had left the roadway and crashed.
All occupants of the vehicle, the male driver and three passengers – two men and a woman – died at the scene. They have since been identified as driver Mark Dodds (36), and passengers Sophie-Lee Fullagar (33), Benjamin Watego (50), and James Doherty (42).
Detectives from Richmond Police District and the Crash Investigation Unit commenced inquiries into the incident under Strike Force Land.
Following extensive inquiries, detectives determined a second vehicle is believed to have been involved in the incident.
Richmond Police District Commander, Superintendent Scott Tanner, said investigators need those in 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,’ Supt 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,’ he said.
Anyone able to identify the occupants of the Toyota Corolla is urged to contact Lismore Detectives on 02 6626 0599 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Anyone with information that may assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
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