KEY POINTS:
The forensic examination of murdered Napier woman Chattrice Maihi-Carroll's home has finished and police are hoping the results will be useful.
The 46-year-old woman's body was found in her Cottrell Crescent home in the suburb of Onekawa on Monday morning. She had been assaulted and stabbed.
"A number of samples and items have been removed which will be subjected to further examination. We're hopeful they will give us valuable information but you don't know until the tests are done," Detective Senior Sergeant Bill Gregory said.
"With modern science there's a huge number of things that can be done at the scene, and a huge number of alternatives available, so you have to sit down and make the best judgement you can on your priorities and what processes you will subject items to."
A large kitchen knife, believed to be the murder weapon, was amongst the items removed. Mr Gregory said it was difficult to put a time frame on when forensic results would become available as tests had to be carried out sequentially.
It is not yet known when Ms Maihi-Carroll was killed. The last confirmed contact was a phone call to a family member on Saturday night, while a number of unconfirmed sightings from Sunday were still being investigated.
Mr Gregory said the family was "absolutely devastated" by Ms Maihi-Carroll's death.
"They are a very strong family, with strong ties and I think that is what is helping them get through. They have been very cooperative. We are keenly aware that we are intruding at a very difficult time."
Over the weekend police will conduct a physical examination of the house and will continue speaking with people and building a picture of Ms Maihi-Carroll's movements.
- NZPA
