British police investigating the death of Emily Longley have charged her on-off boyfriend with murder.
Elliott Turner, 20, has been charged with murder and perverting the course of justice, Dorset police said today.
Leigh Turner, 53, and Anita Turner, 50, were also charged, with perverting the course of justice.
The Bay of Plenty
father of 17-year-old Ms Longley rushed to the UK shortly after her death.
Mark Longley, who is the managing editor at the Whakatane Beacon, is the father of Ms Longley who was found dead at Turner's home in Bournemouth, southwest England, on May 7.
Emily grew up in Auckland but had been living in Bournemouth with a relative for about eight months.
Dorest police Detective Inspector Neil Devoto said the trio were arrested in the Queens Park area on Tuesday and charged yesterday. They are to appear before a magistrate tomorrow (NZT).
"Following extensive inquiries Elliott Turner has now been charged with the murder of Emily Longley,'' Mr Devoto said.
"I have updated Emily's relatives with these developments, clearly this is a very difficult time for all of her family and friends as they try to come to terms with the loss of Emily.''
Ms Longley's family released a statement via police, reiterating their support for the investigation.
"We are confident that the police are doing all that they can to establish exactly what happened to Emily and we are grateful for their support,'' the statement said.
"We would like to once again thank everyone for their messages of sympathy and the many tributes that have been made to Emily.
"Of course we now await the outcome of the upcoming court case and ask that we are given space to come to terms with our tragic loss.''
Ms Longley was born in London and moved to Auckland eight years ago with her family. Her parents have since split up.
The 17-year-old chose to move back to England to live with her grandparents seven months before her death in a bid to put her education back on track.
-NZPA
