Man arrested for Christchurch murder

File photo / NZH

A 22-year-old has been charged with murder over a death police originally thought was not suspicious.

Alexsis Maria Tovizi, 21, was found dead at her Stanmore Rd apartment in the Christchurch suburb of Phillipstown on December 9 last year.

She had been reported missing the day before.

Police said after the post-mortem it appeared the death was not suspicious.

However, officers continued to investigate the death, which led to the man's arrest, Detective Senior Sergeant David Harvey said today.

The 22-year-old was due to appear in Christchurch District Court tomorrow, charged with murder, theft and using a document.

Police were working with victim support to help Ms Tovizi's family deal with their grief and the arrest, Mr Harvey said.

- NZPA