A homicide investigation has been launched months after a crash killed four people in NSW’s Northern Rivers region.
Emergency responders were called to Black Chapel Road in Wardell following reports of a crash on Saturday, February 21, just after 5.45 am.
A blue Mazda BT Ute had left the road and crashed, killing 36-year-old driver Mark Dodds and three passengers, 33-year-old Sophie-Lee Fullagar, 50-year-old Benjamin Watego, and 42-year-old James Doherty.
Today, following extensive inquiries, NSW Police announced the crash investigation had turned into a homicide case, with a second vehicle believed to have chased the Mazda before it crashed.
Richmond Police District Commander Superintendent Scott Tanner said police were looking for an early 2000s model silver Toyota Corolla sedan bearing stolen number plates.
“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,” Tanner said.
“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.”
Sophie-Lee Fullagar’s mother said her daughter “deserved justice.”
“My daughter was an innocent victim in this, she deserves justice, they all deserve justice…people need to come forward to the police,” she said.
“It would give us some kind of closure, we need closure, we deserve that…we need answers.”
Anyone able to identify the driver of the Toyota Corolla, and anyone in possession of dashcam footage from the area at the time of the crash, are urged to contact Lismore Detectives on 02 6626 0599 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
