A body found in thick bush near the Ngaruroro River, near Hastings on Wednesday has been formally identified as being that of missing man Graham Walsh.
Mr Walsh's body was found in dense bush on the banks of the river, 500m away from where he abandoned his vehicle after shooting Hastings Constable Warren Smith on November 15 during a routine traffic stop.
Mr Smith escaped the shooting with pellet injuries to his left shoulder from a blast fired at almost point-blank range.
The incident sparked a huge hunt for Mr Walsh, 53, and ended when police dogs found the body on Wednesday.
Head of the investigation, Detective Inspector Godfrey Watson said the body was identified using forensic testing. It was found in an advanced state of decomposition.
Police were not seeking anyone else over the death.
- NZPA
Body identified as Walsh
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