Name suppression has been lifted for the man charged with murdering a young woman in Dunedin.
Thirty two-year-old Clayton Weatherston appeared briefly in the Dunedin District Court this morning, in front of a packed gallery.
He is accused of murdering 22-year-old Sophie Elliott in her Ravensbourne home
on January 9.
Weatherston was employed by Otago University in its economics department. He has been remanded in custody until February 21.
Otago University Vice-Chancellor Professor David Skegg said the faculty was shocked and saddened by the tragic event.
"Our thoughts are with Miss Elliott's family and the staff and students in the department concerned. Counselling has been made available to those in the department and ongoing support is being provided, as required.
"We are giving full co-operation to the police in their inquiries. Given that this case is before the court, it is inappropriate to comment further at present," Mr Skegg said.
Miss Elliott had beeen on the verge of starting a new career at the Treasury in Wellington after finishing her economics studies.
Last week, police said the murder accused had threatened violence against Miss Elliott a week before she was stabbed to death.
Miss Elliott's mother, who was home at the time of the attack but in another room, called 111, but her daughter died minutes later.
Shortly before that, a lone policeman, responding to the emergency call, entered the family's house and arrested the alleged attacker.
- NEWSTALK ZB, NZ HERALD STAFF
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