The Beckenridge mystery: Mother believes her son is still alive – PI informed of possible new sighting

Investigative reporter·NZ Herald·4 Sep, 2026 09:00 PM11 mins to read‌John Beckenridge and his stepson Mike Zhao-Beckenridge vanished on March 13, 2015, with a coroner ruling the case was a murder-suicide. But Mike's mum holds out hope her son is still alive. New Zealand Herald composite photoThe mother of a boy who vanished with his stepfather more than 11 years ago remains convinced he is alive.The disappearance of Michael (Mike) Zhao-Beckenridge and his stepfather, John Beckenridge, in early 2015 has become one of New Zealand’s enduring mysteries. His mother is still searching for answers —