Attribute to Detective Inspector Darryl Sweeney, Canterbury CIB:
Police are continuing to investigation the circumstances surrounding the death of a woman who was found on the side of Main Rakaia Road.
As a result of a number of enquiries, Police believe the woman to be 22 year-old Renee Larissa Duckmanton, of Christchurch.
Our staff express their condolences to the family as they work through this difficult time, and Police are providing them with appropriate support.
Police are still working towards tracing Renee’s movements over the weekend through to when her body was found on Sunday evening.
As it may be known in the community, Renee did work in the sex trade in the Christchurch area. Police are still unsure if this has any relation to her death, but this does form part of our wider enquiries.
We do, however, have to remember that Renee is first and foremost a daughter, a sister, and a much loved member of a family, and police will continue to work tirelessly to bring this to a resolution.
Police still have a large team of staff working around the clock on this enquiry following up on a number of enquiries and we continue to ask the public for their help in providing information.
Police are asking for anyone who saw Renee, or knows of her movements between these times, to please contact the Christchurch Central Police Station on 03 363 7400.
Alternatively, information can also be provided anonymously via the organisation Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
At this time, Police are working through the results of the post-mortem which was completed earlier today. However, Police can confirm that there was some extensive burns from a fire which had been lit.
Police have also been completing a number of other scene examinations across Christchurch in relation to our investigations. These include one address in Kowhai Terrace and another in Bowenvale Avenue.
Police have also lifted the cordons from the scene later on this evening. We continue to thank the community for their patience and understanding while Police conducted their investigation.
ENDS
Released by Nic Barkley, Police Media Centre
Media note: An audio recording of this stand up will be available for request from Nicholas.Barkley@police.govt.nz