The step-brother of a missing Auckland man has told an inquest he does not believe his brother committed suicide.
Quentin Godwin was 18 when he left his home in west Auckland in 1992. His family has never heard from him since, though there have been several unconfirmed sightings.
Detective Sergeant Roger Small, who has reviewed the case, told the inquest on Thursday that Mr Godwin was suffering from depression and the most likely scenario is that he killed himself.
Mr Small said Mr Godwin left a suicide note and had attempted it the week before he disappeared.
Mr Godwin's step-brother Chris Edwards said there is no real evidence to suggest that he went through with it and he may have gone into hiding.
Mr Edwards said he hopes the case will be left open.
Coroner Deborah Marshall has reserved her findings.
