Arrest in Mellory Manning murder case

Christchurch police have advised that a 24-year old unemployed man was interviewed in Auckland this morning and charged with kidnapping and the murder of Ngatai Lynnette Manning (commonly known as Mellory Manning).

The man will appear in the Auckland District Court at 2.15 pm today where a remand in custody will be sought.

Head of the investigation, Detective Inspector Greg Williams, says at the time of the murder the man was living in Christchurch and he has definite links to the Galbraith Avenue property where Ms Manning is alleged to have been murdered.

"From evidence gathered it is clear that a number of people have been involved in either the kidnapping or murder of Ms Manning," he says.

"The enquiry is continuing to identify all persons who were responsible for her death, or were accessories after the fact, so that they can be brought to justice.

"We will now assess the information that we received today and I would expect that we will be interviewing a number of people associated with the charged man over the next few days.

"Ms Manning's partner and immediate family have been informed of the arrest this morning and are pleased with the development."

Detective Inspector Williams says the man arrested today has been ruled out of being linked to a semen sample recovered from the deceased.