Ex-partner accused of Carmen's murder

Carmen and ex-partner

The man accused of killing Carmen Thomas is her ex-partner.

Bradford James Joseph Callaghan was arrested today and appeared in Auckland District Court charged with her murder on June 29.

Name suppression was declined for the 32-year-old structural engineer who did not seek bail.

He was remanded in custody and will reappear in court on October 12.

Police said this afternoon Ms Thomas' body was dismembered and disposed of following her murder.

Detective Inspector Mark Benefield told media Ms Thomas' body still hadn't been found but said: "We have information to say she has been dismembered".

Police believe she was murdered at her Remuera home.

South African-born Ms Thomas was last seen in Auckland on June 27, although a text was sent to her boss from her phone on July 3. She worked at a Pakuranga men's club.

Mr Benefield said inquiries were ongoing and further arrests over the murder were a possibility.

"We'll be working hard towards that aspect of the investigation and we'll keep an open mind."

Police are working closely with Manson's TCLM general manager and will continue to explore a central city construction site that has been a focus of the investigation in recent days.

He wouldn't comment on police findings from the Victoria Street site.

Police also seized three vehicles and executed search warrants at several business premises today.

Police forensics are examining a Remuera property.

He said several "items of interest" had been recovered over the past 10 weeks and submitted for forensic examination.

He said today's arrest followed several weeks of hard work by staff investigating "the disappearance, death and disposal" of Ms Thomas.

"We've made huge progress but we have got a long way to go yet to fully resolve this matter and we're determined to do so.

"I promised Carmen's mother I would do all I could to find her and I will do my best to keep that promise."

Mr Benefield had no comment to make on any weapon related to the murder, nor of motive, but said police had spoken to Ms Thomas' mother this morning.

"While she is pleased to have an update, it was very difficult to tell her that she (Carmen) has been dismembered and disposed of."

Mr Benefield said Ms Thomas' son Jack is with a family member and police "are quite satisfied with his welfare at this stage."

Mr Benefield again appealed for information from the public.

"She has a son and other family members who, along with us, want to ensure she is finally given a dignified resting place," he said.

* Phone 0800 KEPPEL (0800-537-735), email whereiscarmen@police.govt.nz or call Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111.

The Case

June 27: Last confirmed sighting of Ms Thomas, at Greenlane Countdown about 7.10pm. Last day her bank accounts were touched.

June 28: Message sent from her Facebook account at 8.14pm.

July 1: Police have been seeking CCTV footage from central Auckland around this date.

July 3: Text sent from her phone to her boss at a Pakuranga men's club.

July 7 or 8: It is believed Ms Thomas' car was driven from Auckland to Hamilton.

July 13: Car towed and Ms Thomas is reported missing after failing to collect her son.

Sept 1: Ms Thomas' wheelie bin is found by police.

Yesterday: Police put a camera down a hole at a worksite on Victoria St in the Auckland central business district.