Michael Hutchings. Photo / Supplied
Police have arrested two people for the murder of Kaitangata teenager Michael Hutchings.
The 18-year-old's body was spotted by a farmer last Saturday. It had been wrapped in a mattress cover, tied to two heavy steel bars and dumped in the Clutha River.
A post mortem showed Mr
Hutchings had died from stab wounds to his neck and stomach.
A 37-year-old man and a 29-year-old woman, also from Kaitangata, were arrested in Balclutha today and will appear in Dunedin District Court tomorrow morning.
The arrests coincide with Mr Hutchings' mother arriving in the country from her home in Australia.
Detective Inspector Ross Pinkham said the arrest was the result of intensive investigation by police who had worked closely with the local community to piece together Mr Hutchings' movements prior to his death.
"The community assistance has been tremendous in this investigation and information provided has enabled the homicide investigation team to clarify many issues raised during the week," Mr Pinkham said.
Police believe Mr Hutchings may have been stabbed five days before being discovered in the river.
He was reportedly last seen on January 7 at about 8.30pm, as he staggered down a Kaitangata street.
The Hutchings family had lived in Kaitangata for five years before relocating to Australia in late 2006, after the death of their two-week-old baby.
Mr Pinkham said despite the arrests, the investigation was still going strong with police wrapping up the inspection of Mr Hutchings' home, speaking to witnesses and awaiting the results of blood samples taken from his home and a station wagon parked outside.
- NZPA
