Search teams have today been continuing to search an area of the Maheno-Kakanui Road for items of interest in the Operation Steelers investigation into the alleged murder of Elderslie farm worker, Justin McFarlane, who was found dead in his home in the early hours of last Wednesday morning (11 September).
A number of items of interest have been located by a team of around 20 people who have been searching an area of about 500-600 metres along the road.
Involved in the search is a police team of seven specialist search staff from Christchurch. They are being assisted by 14 local community volunteers from the North Otago Search and Rescue Club, the North Otago Tramping Club and the local fishing club.
"Their assistance is hugely appreciated and they've been fantastic in giving up their time to help Police in their search for items of interest," says Detective Senior Sergeant John Ferguson.
The search is expected to be completed today.
Police today arrested a 26-year-old Oamaru woman as an accessory after the fact in relation to assistance given to those now charged with murder. A 17-year-old Oamaru man was also arrested on the same charge. They are both due to appear in the Dunedin District Court today.
The scene examination at Mr McFarlane's house was completed yesterday evening.
ENDS
Released by Detective Senior Sergeant John Ferguson