Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Coroner's Hearing Resumes in Missing Boy's Mysterious Case

4/21/2025

25 3

Summary

Story summary

The coroner's hearing for missing Southland boy Mike Zhao-Beckenridge is set to resume next week, unveiling fresh testimony from five witnesses. Mike disappeared in 2015 alongside his stepfather, John Beckenridge, whose car was discovered at the edge of a cliff. The case remains shrouded in mystery, with police leaning towards a murder-suicide theory, while Mike's mother clings to hope that he is still alive.

1 of 1

Story summary

The coroner's hearing for missing Southland boy Mike Zhao-Beckenridge is set to resume next week, unveiling fresh testimony from five witnesses. Mike disappeared in 2015 alongside his stepfather, John Beckenridge, whose car was discovered at the edge of a cliff. The case remains shrouded in mystery, with police leaning towards a murder-suicide theory, while Mike's mother clings to hope that he is still alive.