Operation Pitangi - Brett Hall investigation
Police investigating the homicide of Whanganui man Brett Hall have arrested and charged a man with his murder today.
The 49-year-old Manawatü man appeared in the Whanganui District Court today. He was granted interim name suppression and has been remanded in custody. He will reappear in the Whanganui High Court on 14 July 2014.
Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Kirby, officer in charge of the investigation says: "This has been an extremely difficult inquiry but I know the investigation team never gave up trying. Recent developments as well as information obtained from our inquiries and public appeals resulted in the arrest and charge."
“I want to thank the public and media for helping us with our numerous appeals for information.”
Brett went missing from his farm property up the Whanganui River in late May 2011. Police conducted an extensive homicide investigation and search phase into his disappearance with over 30 detectives from the Lower North Island working on the case.
"While we have made an arrest this does not signal the end of our investigation.
"We have further inquires to make and a prosecution to prepare but this is a major breakthrough and from the outset the investigation team has been determined to give some peace and closure to Brett's family, " says Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Kirby.
As the case is before the courts no further comment will be made at this time.
Note to media: Detective Senior Sergeant Kirby is not available to interview.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Sara Stavropoulos on 027 702 0850.