Sharlene Smith Omahu homicide: Murder charge laid after grandmother’s body found at Hawke’s Bay worksite

The body of Sharlene Smith was found at a rural Hawke's Bay worksite in early February. Composite image

Two Napier men have been charged over the death of Rotorua grandmother Sharlene Smith – one of them with her murder.

Police were called to a rural worksite on Taihape Rd, Omahu, early this month after the 65-year-old’s body was found.

A 47-year-old man was arrested today and charged with murder and injuring with intent. He is due to appear in Napier District Court tomorrow.

A 45-year-old man was arrested yesterday and charged with being an accessory after the fact to a culpable homicide.

He appeared in court today. Police said he also faced three “domestic-related” charges unconnected to Smith’s death.

Detective Inspector Martin James said it was exceptional for police to have made two significant arrests within a month, and he hoped it reassured Smith’s family and the community.

“It’s been 24 days since Sharlene’s body was found, and for our busy team to have achieved this result so promptly should reassure the community we take these significant incidents incredibly seriously.”

James praised Acting Senior Sergeant Kris Payne and the investigation team for their work, as well as members of the public who came forward with information, such as CCTV footage.

“They have taken the time to trawl through video and then notify police, and their efforts have helped immensely in getting these quick arrests.”

On Wednesday, police asked the public for sightings of a white 2005 Mazda 3 sports hatchback along a specific route through Hawke’s Bay that they believed her alleged killer might have taken.

They said they were also seeking Smith’s handbag and Samsung Galaxy A06 cellphone, believed to have been discarded along the route.