Man hands himself in for questioning over Ruatiti double homicide

Trina Cole and her partner Brendon Cole were found dead at their Ruatiti home on December 13.

A man has handed himself in for questioning over the double homicide of a Whanganui farming couple.

The bodies of Brendon and Trina Cole were discovered on the driveway of their home along Murumuru Rd, Ruatiti, on December 13.

Police believe they were shot several days earlier.

A 29-year-old man was named a person of interest in relation to the double homicide near Whanganui National Park, sparking a nearly two-week search.

A warrant for his arrest was also issued for unlawful possession of firearms.

Today, Central District Commander Superintendent Dion Bennett said the 29-year-old had handed himself into police custody.

“He has presented himself to Whanganui Police Station today about 1.30pm and was arrested on an active warrant, due to appear in the Whanganui District Court tomorrow,” he said.

“Police on ground in the area will now be making further inquiries in the investigation.”

The couple were known in the tight-knit community as dedicated sheep farmers and Trina was highly regarded in Neapolitan mastiff dog-breeding circles countrywide.

Several dogs were found at the property and taken into the care of her friends.

Anyone with information can contact police by calling 105 or visiting 105.police.govt.nz, using reference number 251213/6207.

Anonymous reports can also be made through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.