Merivale woman's murder: Labourer, 54, charged but police continue to piece together case

Intense police activity on Exeter St near North Hagley Park in the upmarket Christchurch suburb of Merivale on Saturday after the woman's death was discovered. Photo / Kurt Bayer

Police continue to piece together its case against a man charged with murdering a woman found dead inside a Christchurch house three days ago.

A 54-year-old labourer appeared in court yesterday charged with murdering a 27-year-old Christchurch woman found dead in the city suburb of Merivale on Saturday.

The man, who was granted interim name suppression during a brief appearance via audio visual link at Christchurch District Court, was remanded in custody without plea to appear in the High Court later this month.

Police allege the man broke into the woman's Exeter St home in the upmarket Merivale area, near North Hagley Park, armed with a knife.

Police say they knew each other.

Her body was found about 11.40am on Saturday.

Today, the woman's rented Exeter St house remained behind a police cordon while specialist officers and detectives continued their scene examinations. Neighbours remained tight-lipped about the grisly events. Meanwhile, police have also been scouring the murder accused's well-kept brick property in a block of townhouses across town in the eastern suburb of Aranui.

His neighbours were stunned to hear the man had been charged with murder.

"I'm very upset by this," one woman said.

"I liked [the man]. He was always friendly, chatty. He was also a very private person."

Another neighbour said the man worked long hours but would always stop and say hello.

"It's very distressing actually," she said.

The man lawyer did not apply for bail when he appeared in court yesterday. Judge Jane Farish imposed suppression orders that include the defendant's name, the victim's identity, and the police summary of facts.

She said the interim suppression orders are necessary to protect not only the victim but fair trial rights, but stressed that they will likely be reviewed at the next court appearance.

It is understood a post mortem has now been carried out on the woman's body.

Police said there were no updates on the case today.

Detective Inspector Darryl Sweeney said earlier that police moved swiftly to track down the man they believe is behind the crimes.

"My deepest sympathies go out to the family of this young woman and police will be ensuring that they are supported following their tragic loss," Sweeney said.

"Our police team of highly experienced and dedicated investigators have worked tirelessly to ensure justice for the victim and her family, and will continue to do so."

No one else is being sought in relation to the woman's death, Sweeney said.

However, he said police would like to hear from anyone who was in the wider Exeter St area overnight Friday to Saturday who "may have heard or seen anything, or anyone, suspicious".

People are asked to contact Canterbury Police on 03 363 7400 if they may have information, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.