Investigators are appealing for information as a homicide investigation is launched following a fatal crash on the state's north coast earlier this year.
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Shortly after 5.45am on Saturday, February 24, 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 BT-50 utility that had left the roadway and crashed.
All occupants of the vehicle died at the scene and 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.
![Investigators are appealing for information as a homicide investigation is launched following a fatal crash near Wardell earlier this year. Picture by NSW Police Investigators are appealing for information as a homicide investigation is launched following a fatal crash near Wardell earlier this year. Picture by NSW Police](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/154120782/04fec778-1cc7-4ca9-a4cc-b994c3595fee.jpg/r0_9_2058_1166_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
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.
Speaking after the crash, the family of Sophie-Lee Fullager spoke about their devastation at losing their "beautiful girl".
"She had a heart of gold. She really had pure intentions as a person. She always wanted the best for everybody. She never wished harm, or wanted to hurt anybody.
"She was always full of joy, and light, and love. She was just a really pure soul."
Her mother urged anyone who had information about the crash to come forward.
"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."
Sophie-Lee's mother said it would give them some closure to know what happened.
"At the moment, we're all pretty devastated, pretty shattered. We need closure. We deserve that.
"My daughter, Sophie's sister, is here. She's having to do this on her birthday. I'm really proud that she is here.
"My other children, Sophie's brothers and sisters, we need answers. We deserve answers."
The family of James Doherty echoed the calls for people to come forward.
"James was a kindhearted person. If you needed something, he'd be there. He would do anything for you. Anything you asked him to do, it was never too hard.
"He grew up sailing, loving sport, soccer."
"If anyone has any information, come forward. Please do it for their family.
"Those answers would mean that there is justice done and the system does work. The only way the system works is if people come forward.
"It will certainly give peace of mind for the families."
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 about this incident 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.