Argen Kuni was 34 when he was hit by a car while walking to work at a poultry farm in Griffith, in western NSW, in April 2025. No car stopped after the Solomon Islands national was hit on Watkins Avenue early in the morning, leaving two pedestrians to find him and call for medical assistance.
Now, almost a year on, the driver remains at large. Police have released new footage and information in the hope of assisting an investigation into an alleged hit-and-run in Griffith. Officers are appealing to speak to the driver of a blue sedan or hatchback travelling in the vicinity of the incident that allegedly killed Argen Kuni. It occurred on Watkins Avenue near Grange Close, shortly after 4.20am on Monday, April 28.
"Investigations that have taken place so far have seen police seize a number of vehicles which have since been eliminated," Murrumbidgee Police District Superintendent Tim Clark said. Recent CCTV shows a blue sedan or hatchback driving along Watkins Avenue at the time of the collision.
The investigation has been difficult because the incident occurred in the dark of the early morning, and Watkins Avenue is some distance from the CBD with limited traffic at that time.
What makes this case particularly troubling is the driver's apparent awareness of the collision. Detective Inspector Tim Clark said there was no specific evidence the driver was speeding or that they deliberately hit Mr Kuni, but that didn't change the impact they had on the lives of his family members. "There is no doubt the driver of that vehicle knew they hit someone at that time," he said. "To not stop and render that man assistance is a coward act."
The circumstances surrounding Mr Kuni's death highlight broader questions about support for migrant workers. Mr Kuni arrived in Australia in mid-2021 hoping for good conditions and a decent wage at a rural meat processing plant. Instead, he found himself cleaning out the innards of hundreds of animals every day and returning to a small room shared with three other workers at night. He later left the PALM scheme and, on a different visa, worked in agriculture and construction, earning enough to build his family home.
Mr Kuni sent money home to fund the build of his family home, which he never got to enjoy. His sister Margaret spoke about his commitment to his family overseas. According to reporting, Margaret Kuni said "Argen was a humble and loving family man" and "He came to Australia from the Solomon Islands to work and provide a better life for his wife and two sons back home."
For now, investigators continue to appeal for information. Anyone with information is urged to contact Griffith Police Station on (02) 6969 4299 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.