Two men have been charged over the murder of Rotorua grandmother Sharlene Smith earlier this month.
The 64-year-old's body was found at a worksite on Taihape Rd in Omahu, Hastings, on February 3. An investigation was launched.
Police had described her as a "much-loved mother, grandmother and sister”.
Today, police said two Napier men, aged 47 and 45, had been arrested.
The 47-year-old was charged with murder and injuring with intent. He would appear in the Napier District Court tomorrow.
The 45-year-old was charged with being an accessory after the fact to a culpable homicide. He appeared in court and was remanded to reappear on March 4. He also faced three domestic charges unrelated to Smith's death.
Detective Inspector Martin James said he hoped the arrests would reassure Smith's family.
“It’s been 24 days since Sharlene’s body was found and, for our busy team to have achieved this result so promptly, [this] should reassure the community we take these significant incidents incredibly seriously,”
He thanked investigators for their work as well as members of the public who supplied information, such as CCTV footage.
“They have taken the time to trawl through video and then notify police, and their efforts have helped immensely in getting these quick arrests.”
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