Gunman to be charged over brother's murder

Police arrested David Bourke earlier this month after a manhunt which lasted for 48 hours. Photo / Supplied

Wanganui freezing worker David Bourke will tomorrow be charged with murdering his brother, police say.

Timothy Bourke's body was found in a car which had crashed and allegedly abandoned by David Bourke in southern Hawke's Bay on October 4.

Police said he had been shot near Gordon's Bush reserve in Wanganui.

David Bourke, 46, was arrested after spending 48 hours on the run near Norsewood, during which time a farm worker was shot and wounded.

Bourke appeared in court last week charged with various driving and firearms offences. He entered no plea and was remanded in custody for psychiatric assessment before an appearance in Palmerston North District Court tomorrow.

Police today said the investigation's "initial phase" was complete and they were in a position to charge him with murder.

Further charges include shooting at a police officer, attempts to murder, aggravated assault with a firearm and assault with a weapon.

- NZPA