Featherston killing: Man appears in court

Kristofer Jones in court today. Photo / Alecia Bailey

The family of a man slain in his Featherston bedsit have described him as part of the fabric of his community.

Supermarket worker Glen Jones, 40 was the subject of a violent assault in his home early on Saturday morning and died in Wellington Hospital a few hours later.

Three people were arrested and appeared in court earlier this week and a third man was arrested early today and made a brief appearance in Palmerston North District Court today.

In a statement, Mr Jones's family said a piece of them had been taken from them and they were devastated.

"He was part of the fabric of the Featherston community and lots of people looked out for him. We know that many people around town had a soft spot for `Jonsey' and will sympathise with our grief.

"The support we have received over the last few days has been overwhelming and we sincerely want to thank you all for that,'' the statement said.

Kristofer Jones, 23, who is charged with aggravated burglary, was arrested by armed police on State Highway 1 near Hunterville about 2am and appeared in court today.

Wearing a police-issue white boiler suit and with his arms folded, Jones stared straight at Justice of the Peace Ray Bensemann and nodded his head when asked if he understood.

He didn't speak during the one-minute appearance.

He was remanded without plea to reappear in Masterton District Court on Friday

Police are still seeking another man, Hayden Ranson, 27.

Two women, aged 32 and 22, and a man aged 28 appeared in Masterton District Court on Tuesday and did not enter pleas to a count each of entering a building while armed with intent to commit a crime.

- Additional reporting Alecia Bailey of the Manawatu Guardian