A suggested connection between the murder of retired Opotiki teacher John Rowe on November 24 and a woman who died in the same town two nights later has been ruled out by police.
Detective Inspector Rob Jones said police had the body of a 20-year-old woman who died
on the night of November 26 re-examined after they were told her death could be connected to that of Mr Rowe.
Mr Rowe, 78, whose body was found on his bed at his Windsor St home by a neighbour on the morning of November 25, was killed by blows to the head from a blunt instrument.
Two potential murder weapons found at the scene have been sent for forensic testing.
Mr Jones said police applied to have the woman's body exhumed after being told of the possible connection.
" The deceased was disinterred from her family burial site last Friday and a second post mortem examination carried out the following day.
"As a result of the second post mortem examination and further enquiries completed I am satisfied that at this time there is no available evidence to suggest that her death was suspicious," he said.
"There is no evidence at this time to indicate that the death of the 20-year-old female is in any way linked to the murder of Mr Rowe."
The woman's body was returned to her family after the examination and was re-buried on Saturday evening. Her death has been referred to the coroner.
Mr Jones would not comment on what the suggested link between the two deaths was.
He said 30 staff remained on the team investigating Mr Rowe's death.
"While I am sure that many members of the Opotiki community may feel some apprehension that the person(s) responsible for the death of Mr Rowe have not been apprehended to date, I can assure the people of Opotiki that police remain highly committed to solving this investigation, and that I also remain confident police will do so."
- NZPA
