Youth charged with murder after elderly woman found dead at rural Canterbury home

Police have launched a homicide investigation in Burnham, Canterbury. Photo / Jazlyn Whales

A 19-year-old will appear in court this afternoon charged with murder after an elderly woman was found dead in Canterbury early today.

The youth will appear in the Christchurch District Court after 2pm.

He is also facing with two counts of assault in a family relationship.

Police teams have started to arrive at the property. Photo / Jazlyn Whales

Police launched a homicide investigation after a woman was found dead in Burnham, Canterbury.

Detective Senior Sergeant Karen Simmons said emergency services were called to a Burnham School Rd address about 3.05am today after receiving a report of disorder.

RNZ have reported that a relative of the 19-year-old called police after the alleged assault, as she barricaded herself in a room.

It has been reported that police tasered the 19-year-old when they arrived at the scene.

“After arriving at the property, police located the body of a woman.”

Specialist teams have now arrived at the property and a scene examination is set to begin.

Officers have started a scene examination at the rural property. Photo / Jazlyn Whales

The Herald understands the woman’s death is related to an alleged domestic violence incident.

A scene guard is at the cordon of a property on Burnham School Rd where a woman was found dead early today. Photo / Jazlyn Whales

A scene guard is at the entrance to a rural property on Burnham School Rd, and a blue police tent has been erected.

Cordons are in place, and a scene examination has commenced.

More to come.