Man charged with murder over Invercargill death

Police found "items of interest'' in the Oreti River in Fosbender Park, Invercargill, yesterday...
Police found "items of interest'' in the Oreti River in Fosbender Park, Invercargill, yesterday following the death of a 22-year-old woman. PHOTO: ABBEY PALMER
A 31-year-old man has been charged with murder after a woman was found dead in Invercargill on Sunday. 

Police said the man was charged with murder after being located earlier today.

The man appeared in Invercargill District Court this afternoon and was remanded in custody until his next appearance on December 10.

His name was suppressed.

Earlier today, police had been looking for the man after the death of a 22-year-old woman whose body was found at a motel in the southern city.

Police had earlier warned the man was considered dangerous and should not be approached.

In a statement this morning police said the man was now assisting them with inquiries.

A homicide inquiry began after the woman's body was found at the Bavarian Motel in Waikiwi at 11am on Sunday. A scene examination of the room the body was found in was completed yesterday morning.

It was understood the victim had recently become a mother.

Police wanted to speak to anyone who had witnessed any unusual activity or suspicious vehicles in the Fosbender Park and Oreti River areas, near Dunns Rd.

Insp Bowman confirmed police found "items of interest'' in the Oreti River in Fosbender Park yesterday morning.

"We have found some items of interest in the Fosbender Park river near the bank.

"We're looking for any information from anybody who saw someone disposing of an item in the river between 9pm Saturday and 9am Sunday morning.''

Police wanted to speak to anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious in the area between Weka St and West Plains Rd, between 9pm on Saturday and 9am Sunday.

Police guard the scene at the Bavarian Motel after the body was found. PHOTO: ABBEY PALMER
Police guard the scene at the Bavarian Motel after the body was found. PHOTO: ABBEY PALMER

A motel staff member told The New Zealand Herald she was shocked to learn a body had been found there.

The room had been booked by a guest, but she would not provide any further details, citing privacy.

Police were speaking to witnesses and support was being provided to the dead woman's family, Insp Bowman said.

Call police on 105, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

abbey.palmer@odt.co.nz

 

Advertisement