West Auckland homicide: Police comb Massey property as accused murderer appears in court

Police and forensic teams investigating a homicide were carrying out scene examination at a West Auckland property on Wednesday after a woman’s body was discovered at the weekend.

The man accused of her murder, aged in his 40s, was arrested on Tuesday and appeared today in the Waitakere District Court.

Judge Maria Pecotic granted his lawyer Terence Darby’s application for interim name suppression until at least his next appearance.

He did not seek bail or enter a plea and was remanded in custody until his next appearance at the Auckland High Court on July 3.

The public gallery was packed during the brief hearing, which began with a warning from Judge Pecotic.

“I ask all of you to please respect the court,” the judge said.

“I don’t want anyone calling out or yelling.”

Those in the gallery remained silent and were thanked for their courtesy by the judge, who offered her condolences.

Court documents list the man’s address as in Massey. Police allege he murdered the woman between June 8 and 9.

Staff in white jumpsuits carried items in boxes and brown paper bags from a small unit in front of a main house at a Chorley Ave property in Massey. The unit’s white lace curtains remained closed.

Several people could also be seen inside the main house, as children played outside on the driveway.

A local resident said he had not heard anything untoward over the weekend and it was usually a “very quiet” area.

He did not know the family who lived at the property; other than occasionally exchanging a wave, he said.

Another neighbour said local residents mostly kept to themselves.

Police yesterday announced a 43-year-old man known to the victim has been charged with murder.

Detective Senior Sergeant Megan Goldie said authorities were called to the property on Sunday about 12.50am and found a woman’s body.

Goldie said a scene examination started yesterday and would continue today, as police investigated the woman’s death.

“Police would like to extend our condolences to the woman’s family at this extremely difficult time.”

The 43-year-old man is due to appear in the Waitākere District Court this afternoon.