Police have today arrested and charged a 31-year-old man with the murder of Renee Larissa Duckmanton on or about 15 May.
“Today investigators got to a position where we had enough evidence to make an arrest and lay a charge of murder,” says Detective Inspector Darryl Sweeney.
“While this arrest will not offer any solace for the loss of Renee, it’s an important step for her family as they continue to grieve.”
“The CIB and forensic specialists have also seized a number of motor vehicles across Christchurch and have begun detailed examinations of those, as well as four residential addresses. This work will continue for a number of days.”
“While we are unable to go into any details ahead of the court process, Police do have reason to believe that the death of Renee was related to the sex industry in central Christchurch. It is important that we acknowledge the continued victimisation of the women working on Manchester Street, and Police will be working with other agencies to consider what measures can be put in place to address this.”
The police are now appealing to the public for the following information:
- Any sightings of a silver Audi motor vehicle in the Manchester Street environs, on the evening of Saturday 14 May, from 8pm onwards. That vehicle may have travelled to Templeton via Riccarton Road during that evening. The attached photo shows a vehicle similar to that being sought.
- Any sightings of a silver Audi motor vehicle in the Rakaia area of Christchurch on Sunday 15 May between 6pm and 8pm.
Police would also like to speak to the occupants of a light-coloured motor vehicle sighted on Main Road, Rakaia at about 7.40pm on Sunday 15 May. That vehicle may have also been in Leeston township at about 7.50pm.
“We have been in contact with Renee’s family this afternoon to advise them of this arrest. I would like to thank them for their assistance and patience over the last 12 days as Police have worked through their investigation. ”
“I’d also like to thank the community for the huge amount of support and information provided during the investigation into Renee’s death. Finally, I’d like to acknowledge the dedicated and professional investigation team that have worked hard to get us to the point we are at today."
Renee’s family has asked for privacy and no contact from the media, however they have provided the following statement: “Renee was a bright, bubbly, goofy young woman, who was very kind and trusting. Renee was deeply loved by her family and many friends and she will be greatly missed.”
As the matter is now before the Courts, no further comment can be made.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre.
