31 Jan 2015

Man remanded in custody over Taranaki murder

5:01 pm on 31 January 2015

A man charged with the murder of an elderly woman in the Taranaki town of Stratford has been remanded in custody until next week.

Taranaki police launched a homicide inquiry after the death of a 71-year-old woman at a residential property last night.

Police said they were called at 10pm by people who had heard shouting coming from the property.

On arriving at the property officers located a woman, who was deceased, and a 47-year-old male.

He was arrested at the scene and was subsequently charged with the woman's murder.

Police said both the woman and man were known to each other, however they were not prepared to comment any further on this.

A scene examination was underway at the property and family members and witnesses were being spoken to.

The man is due to re-appear in the New Plymouth District Court on Monday.