Carmen's accused killer a dad again

Carmen Thomas. Photo / Supplied

Accused murderer Brad Callaghan is the father of a new baby boy.

Sources say his fiancee, Tanith Butler, who is on maternity leave from her job at The Edge events centre in central Auckland, gave birth early this week.

It is understood the birth had been due on or around Tuesday of last week - the day Callaghan, a 32-year-old structural engineer, was arrested and charged with killing his former partner, Carmen Thomas, also 32.

Callaghan is the father of Ms Thomas' 5-year-old son, Jack.

He appeared in the Auckland District Court last week charged with murder and was remanded in custody until October 12.

It is not known whether he has seen his new son, but a Corrections official said all remand prisoners could have visitors.

Jack is being cared for by a relative as friends and family debate whether he should be moved to South Africa, Ms Thomas' homeland, to live with her mother, Teresa Scott.

Meanwhile, police officers have been door-knocking houses in Sonia Ave, Remuera, where Callaghan lived with Ms Butler.

They have been showing photos of two cars - a blue Subaru stationwagon believed to be Callaghan's and a black Nissan Pulsar - and asking for sightings and information.

One woman said even her 11- and 14-year-old children were questioned.

Police had also asked whether she had seen anyone driving around with a wheelie bin.

A recycling bin that vanished from Ms Thomas' Ngapuhi Rd home after her disappearance was a strong line of inquiry for the homicide investigation and was discovered at an Auckland residence on September 1.

Police have refused to say exactly where it was found or comment on the bin's contents.

Ms Thomas' body has not been found, but it is increasingly believed the young mother - who worked part-time as an escort - was cut up and dumped in the Waitakere Ranges west of Auckland, possibly weighed down with concrete.

During the weekend, forensic specialists vacated Callaghan's house and the home of an associate who has been spoken to throughout the investigation and whose boat has been seized for examination.

Anyone with information on the case can call police on 0800 KEPPEL (0800-537-735), email whereiscarmen@police.govt.nz or call Crime Stoppers on 0800-555-111.