Woman charged with Marton grandmother's murder cannot be named

Mona Morriss

A 42-year-old Palmerston North woman charged with murdering Marton pensioner Mona Morriss was granted name suppression when she appeared in court this morning.

Mrs Morriss, 83, was stabbed to death in her flat 18 months ago.

In front of a packed Marton District Court the accused woman was remanded in custody to reappear at a predepositions hearing on September 7.

Her lawyer Steve Winter told Judge John Clapham there was some contested evidence in the case and identification of the accused could affect the trial.

Family and supporters in the gallery were silent during the brief appearance and the accused appeared calm.

Police have not said where she was arrested, only that the arrest was made at midday yesterday.

Mrs Morriss' stabbed and battered body was discovered by family members on January 5 last year. She had been killed two days earlier.

Mrs Morriss, 83, had 10 children and 37 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Last night, the family said they were pleased such a big step had been taken in the pursuit of justice, and that the past 18 months had been long and difficult.

"We, as a large family, have mixed emotions on today's outcome, but are pleased an arrest has been made and charges laid.

"Nobody has a right to take someone's life in such a manner. We as a family move on in our lives, affected by a homicide that has changed our lives forever."

Palmerston North's acting crime services manager, Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Sheridan, said no details about the case or the alleged killer would be given until the court case.

"We know that everyone will be anxious for some answers and to hear the evidence we have, but they will have to wait for the court proceedings to unfold," he said.

The head of the inquiry into Mrs Morriss' murder, Detective Sergeant Tim Smith, said police were quietly satisfied with the result, but realised the arrest was just the beginning of the judicial process.

Mr Smith thanked the people of Marton and the Morriss family for their support despite their grief.

Police described Mrs Morriss as a fit, bubbly, gentle lady who had a daily routine of walking to the local shops.

She ran errands for tenants of the Wellington Rd flats where she lived for 18 years.

Born in Palmerston North, Mrs Morriss had lived in Marton for 45 years. She had been on her own for 26 years since her husband died.

She left school at 13, and worked on the family farm until she married. Then she started her first and last job, as tea lady for the Chenell textile company.

- Wanganui Chronicle, additional reporting NZPA