29 Jun 2017

Second murder charge over gang associate's death

6:50 pm on 29 June 2017

Police have charged a second man with the murder of Levin gang associate Palmiro MacDonald.

Palmiro MacDonald was last seen as a passenger in a silver 1994 Mercedes Benz 320 before he went missing in the week leading up to Easter.

Palmiro MacDonald was last seen as a passenger in a silver 1994 Mercedes Benz 320 before he went missing in the week leading up to Easter. Photo: Supplied / New Zealand Police

A 28-year-old man will appear in court in Palmerston North - another 28-year-old man has already been charged and his case is going through the courts.

The arrests follow a high-profile 15-month investigation that began when Mr MacDonald went missing in March last year.

The case baffled police until a skeleton found near a dam behind Shannon was identified as that of Mr MacDonald.

Investigations were hampered by a car and house, both burnt-out, that were connected with the inquiry.

"This investigation has been an extensive and complex inquiry and we hope that this additional arrest will bring further relief to Palmiro's whānau and friends," said Detective Sergeant Peter Vine of Central District Police.

"We would also like to thank the members of the community who provided information which has assisted with our investigation."

Mr MacDonald was associated with the Nomads gang.

Get the RNZ app

for ad-free news and current affairs