He stared straight at Justice of the Peace Ray Bensemann as he was charged and nodded when asked if he understood.
Meanwhile the distraught family of Glen Jones has issued a statement telling of their devastation.
The family said Glen Jones was loved by them and his friends and would be especially missed by his nieces and nephews.
"He was part of the fabric of the Featherston community and lots of people looked out for him.
"We know many people around town had a soft spot for Jonesy and will sympathise with our grief."
The family said the support they had been shown since the death of Glen Jones had been "overwhelming".
"We sincerely want to thank you all for that."
The media had supported appeals for information and respected the family's privacy.
However, the Jones family has acknowledged media will attend the funeral of Glen Jones, to be held in Featherston's Anzac Hall on Friday but have asked reporters and photographers not to go into the hall during the service.
Police communications manager Nick Bohm confirmed late yesterday that Ranson was being "actively pursued" by staff throughout the country.