Feilding murder accused named

Ted Ferguson and Margaret Waldin.

The 52-year-old man charged with murdering Feilding couple Ted Ferguson and Margaret Waldin has been named.

David Konia, unemployed, of Feilding, was remanded in custody after appearing in court today.

He was granted name suppression until early this afternoon so family members could be told of his arrest, but this was lifted at 1pm.

Konia, wearing a high-necked brown fleece jacket, stood expressionless and with his arms hanging by his side during his brief appearance in the Palmerston North district court this morning.

Abuse was shouted at him from the public gallery.

Mr Ferguson, 73, and Mrs Waldin, 76, were found stabbed to death in Mr Ferguson's pensioner flat on May 29. They had not been seen since they left a Feilding tavern separately two days earlier.

Police college recruits were today searching the Feilding tip and other officers were searching the arrested man's home as the investigation into the killings continued.

It is understood police are still searching for the murder weapon.

Feilding man Cyril Hindmarsh, who knew the murdered couple, said outside the court that it was a relief, especially to local pensioners, that an arrest had been made.

Konia was remanded in custody until June 28, when he will return to court in Palmerston North.

- HERALD STAFF