Attributable to Area Commander, Inspector Scott Miller:
Police have arrested a man on charges of assault, as enquiries continue into the Carterton homicide investigation.
Police were called to Te Kopi Road at around 9am on Sunday after a man was located deceased outside an address.
The investigation team has identified the man was assaulted in a separate incident, prior to his death.
A 32-year-old Masterton man is due to appear in Masterton District Court on Tuesday, 27 June charged with assault.
No charges directly relating to the homicide have been laid and enquiries into the circumstances surrounding the man’s death remain ongoing.
The deceased is believed to have been known to the occupants of the Te Kopi Road address.
At this stage, we are not in a position to release details of the deceased and a post-mortem is due to be completed tomorrow.
We will look to provide these details in due course.
A scene examination will continue this evening and into Tuesday, along with a wider search of the rural property.
“Areas of interest within the property are extensive and it will take time to complete a thorough examination.
“We are continuing to speak with three people from the property who are assisting with our enquiries. We are also speaking with other neighbours and nearby residents.
“We can confirm that this is not a random attack, and do not believe that this is a situation where other members of the public or community are in danger.
“Police will continue to have a highly visible presence in the area, including a scene guard which will remain in place over the duration of the week, as we continue our enquiries.
“Te Kopi Street residents will have access to their houses and everyday commitments during this time.”
The investigation team is following positive lines of enquiry.
As part of the ongoing investigation, we continue to ask anyone with information to come forward.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Police on 105 referencing event number P055115804.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre