Police continue investigation into Milton vet homicide

Jillian Clark was killed at her Milton home on Friday last week.

Police are continuing to investigate the death of long-serving South Otago veterinarian Jillian Sherie Clark.

Clark died on Friday, January 23, at a rural property near Milton that she co-owned with her partner, Malcolm Duff.

Emergency services were called to Adams Flat Rd about 6.10pm after reports of a serious incident.

Stuff has reported Clark was stabbed multiple times in the back.

A man was also found critically injured and remains in hospital.

A police vehicle remained stationed at the entrance to the property where emergency services were called on Friday evening. Photo / Ben Tomsett

Police have said the death is being treated as a homicide, and a visible police presence has remained in the Crichton area while inquiries continue.

Police have previously indicated there is no ongoing risk to the wider public.

A death notice published this week in the Otago Daily Times said Clark was “tragically taken”.

Flowers were left beneath the sign for The Country Vet, the business run by Jillian Clark, who died last week. Photo / Ben Tomsett

She was the daughter of the late Jasper Clark and Joan Clark, and a sister and sister-in-law to extended family across South Otago.

Her death comes just days after Clark delivered the eulogy at her father’s funeral, following the death of Jasper Clark on January 11.

Former colleagues described Clark as a highly respected and much-loved veterinarian with deep connections to the farming community.

The home, near Crichton, remained under police guard as inquiries into Clark’s death continued. Photo / Ben Tomsett

John Smart, who worked with Clark for about 30 years across Clutha Vets practices, said her death was “a hell of a shock”.

“She was a highly respected vet,” he said. “I know the whole community down there will be absolutely in mourning for the tragedy of losing Jillian.”

Another former colleague, Tony Smith, described Clark as “an amazing person” who was deeply connected to her local area and the farming community she served.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.

Ben Tomsett is a multimedia journalist based in Dunedin. He joined the Herald in 2023.