'House of horrors' victims to be buried today

Jason Somerville made a brief appearance in the Christchurch District Court and was remanded to reappear in November. Photo / Simon Baker

Funerals will be held today for two slain women whose bodies were buried under Christchurch's "house of horrors".

Tisha Lowry, 28, and Rebecca Chamberlain, 35 - named in court documents under her married name of Somerville - were found in shallow graves under the house last week.

Their bodies have now been reunited with their families so they can be laid to rest.

Ms Lowry is to be farewelled at a private gathering in Christchurch, and a strong turnout is expected at the Taupo Baptist Church for the service for Ms Chamberlain, described by her family as well-loved and having many friends.

Jason Paul Somerville, 33, appeared briefly in the Christchurch District Court yesterday to face the charge of murdering Ms Lowry in addition to the charge of murdering his wife.

He is charged with killing Ms Lowry, who lived two doors down from his home, on or about September 25 last year - the day she went missing after walking home from a local bar.

Somerville was arrested after reporting his wife missing about two weeks ago. Police say there was a commotion at the home they shared.

A suppression order preventing the publication of his name was lifted yesterday after his lawyer David Ruth told the court it was no longer sought.

Mr Ruth said a psychiatric assessment would be sought for Somerville at some stage.

Ms Chamberlain's family said she had been struggling to get her life back on track and was making good progress. "And we are proud of her and her achievements."

It is understood that she and her husband had been trying to regain custody of their three children, who had been taken into Child, Youth and Family custody. They had moved from Taupo to Christchurch for a fresh start.

"This is a terrible tragedy for the three families involved and we feel for their loss," the Chamberlain family said.

"A number of people are devastated and this is a difficult time for all concerned. We would like to express our condolences to all people affected by this tragedy."

Supporters of the two women were in court yesterday for Somerville's appearance, and extra police were brought in in case of any disturbance, but the public gallery was quiet.

After a brief exchange between his lawyer and Judge John Bisphan, Somerville was taken back into custody and will reappear in November.