Police inquiries have continued today to determine the circumstances surrounding the death of North Otago farm worker, Justin McFarlane, aged 35. Mr McFarlane was found dead in his home in the rural community of Elderslie, about 10km inland from Oamaru, in the early hours of Wednesday morning (11 September).
The homicide investigation continues to focus on establishing the recent movements of Mr McFarlane and the events leading up to his death as well as interviewing a number of people who had connections with him.
Police inquiries have included speaking with a 26-year-old Oamaru woman in relation to Mr McFarlane's death. She has been arrested on an unrelated assault matter and released on bail to appear in the Oamaru District Court in early October.
A post-mortem was completed on Mr McFarlane's body yesterday. Preliminary findings from the post-mortem are yet to be confirmed by the pathologist.
The scene examination has continued at the address in Pine Hill Road today. A number of items of interest have been located that will assist the investigation team with their inquiries.
Police are still calling for sightings of a grey Nissan Skyline car involved in a short Police pursuit in the early hours of Wednesday morning (11 September) on State Highway One south of Oamaru. Police say that prior to joining State Highway One the vehicle was travelling on roads in the general area of Elderslie and Maheno inland from Oamaru. Police have since impounded this vehicle. Police believe the vehicle may be linked to the circumstances surrounding Mr McFarlane's death.
Anyone with information about Mr McFarlane's activities in the days leading up to his death can contact the Operation Steelers inquiry team directly on the Oamaru Police station number (03) 433 1400 or provide information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
Released by Acting Detective Inspector Colin Blackie, Southern Police