A 32-year-old man appeared in Masterton District Court yesterday, accused of assaulting a man who was later found dead near Carterton.
Police were called to Te Kopi Rd, Carterton, on Sunday morning after the body of a man was found outside a property. The case is being investigated as a homicide.
Police area commander inspector Scott Miller said the investigation team identified the man was assaulted in a separate incident before his death.
The man accused of assault did not make a bail application and was remanded in custody until his next appearance on Thursday, July 6.
The victim and the accused were granted interim name suppression until the next court appearance.
The court also granted a police request to suppress the facts, to prevent public knowledge of the case from prejudicing the ongoing investigation.
No charges directly relating to the homicide have been laid, and enquiries into the circumstances surrounding the man’s death are ongoing.
Police confirmed that the man was known to the occupants of the Te Kopi Rd address.
Investigators are being assisted by three people from the address and speaking with other neighbours and nearby residents.
Miller said the post-mortem would be completed yesterday, and the scene examination will continue through the week.
“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 stationing a guard at the scene for the duration of the week as enquiries continue.
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 11
