Name suppression for man charged with murdering Christchurch woman

Juliana Herrera. Photo / Supplied
Juliana Herrera. Photo / Supplied
A 35-year-old man charged with the murder of Christchurch woman Juliana Cayena Bonilla Herrera has been remanded in custody to the High Court next month.

He made an appearance by video-link before Judge Tony Couch in the Christchurch District Court today, where he was granted interim name suppression.

The 37-year-old woman was found dead at her home in Grove Rd, Addington, on Saturday night.

At the request of defence counsel James Rapley QC, Judge Couch remanded the man in custody without plea to the High Court on February 18.

At Rapley's request, the judge granted an interim name suppression order but said it would have to be fully argued at the next appearance if the order was to continue.

Detective Inspector Scott Anderson said yesterday police were not seeking anyone else in relation to the murder.

"I'd like to thank the community in and around Grove Road for their assistance in helping the investigation team achieve this result in such a relatively short period," Anderson said.

"It will hopefully give some relief to Juliana's loved ones, particularly her family back in Colombia, at this sad time," he said.

A 3D designer who moved to New Zealand from Colombia more than a decade ago, Bonilla Herrera reportedly worried friends when she failed to show up for a planned hiking trip on the weekend.

"Juliana's next of kin in Colombia have been notified and are being supported by the New Zealand Police and Victim Support," said Anderson.

Oriana Perkinson, Bonilla Herrera's former partner, was shocked at her death.

"A quiet and reserved girl", Bonilla Herrera was "talented and tenacious", Perkinson told Stuff.

Police are continuing to examine the scene and expect to be there until the end of the week.

A post-mortem examination was carried out today.

According to Colombian media Herrera was raised in the Meta Department in the centre of the country and moved to New Zealand 10 years ago.

-By David Clarkson and Anna Leask