Wellington Police have tonight arrested a 21-year-old man and charged him with the murder of Tony Stanlake whose mutilated body was found at Owhiro Bay beach four days ago.
The man arrested will appear in the Wellington District Court tomorrow morning.
Police early this evening found the dark blue Subaru Legacy sedan they had been seeking. The 1995 four-door vehicle with sunroof and spoiler was seized at a Wainuiomata address and is now being forensically examined.
Detective Inspector Mike Arnerich, head of the Operation Red Rocks investigation team, said tonight's arrest was excellent news in what continues to be a very fast moving inquiry.
"We firmly believe more people were involved in Tony's death," he said. "We've still got a lot of investigative work to do to identify and find these people."
He said police want to know more about the movements of the blue Subaru, and people who may have been using it, particularly since last Thursday.
Investigators also want more information and sightings of Mr Stanlake, the people he met and places he visited in the days leading up to his death. Police urge people to call the 0508 Operation Red Rocks hotline - 0508 733 762 number or contact Wellington Police if they can help.
The intensive crime scene searches will continue at Mr Stanlake's Lancaster Street, Karori, home in the coming days, along with the Owhiro Bay beach and Happy Valley landfill.
Ends
Released by:
Kaye Calder
Wellington Police District communications manager
Tel 04 496 3464 or 0274 373 020