Police piece together Christchurch murder

Tracey Lee Morris. Photo / Supplied

Police are trying to piece together a picture of the final three days of a Christchurch woman, found dead in her car after a violent attack.

Papanui resident Tracey Lee Morris, 46, was found slumped in the back seat of her blue Honda Civic on Friday morning by a passing jogger.

The car and body had been abandoned on a grassy verge on Grays Rd, near Christchurch International Airport.

Ms Morris leaves behind a 17-year-old son and a family "in shock", said Detective Inspector Virginia Le Bas.

A 53-year-old Christchurch man will appear in Christchurch District Court tomorrow (Monday) charged with the murder and sexual violation of Ms Morris.

The man arrested and Ms Morris were known to each other.

"There is an association between Tracey and the man who was arrested," Ms Le Bas said.

Police continue to search for facts explaining Ms Morris' final three days, said Ms Le Bas.

A post mortem examination, carried out yesterday, found the injuries were consistent with a "violent incident", she said.

Ms Morris was last sighted at Phoenix bar on Tuesday 3 January, where she worked as a barmaid and often also frequented the bar as a patron.

A police team has been interviewing her family, friends and associates to confirm her movements prior to her death.

Forensic experts were also working on the crime scene today, she said.

Notices had been pinned up at the bar where Ms Morris worked, asking for the public to come forward with any information they might have on what happened after she left the pub on Tuesday afternoon.

-APNZ