Man charged with Christchurch woman's murder

The death of a 94-year-old woman in her St Martins home has sparked the second homicide inquiry in Christchurch in less than a week.

Police have released few details but The Press newspaper reported the dead woman was Hannoraugh Johansen, a widow who lived in the neatly maintained Gamblins Road property with her two sons.

Detective Inspector Greg Williams, who is heading the inquiry, said late last night that a man had been arrested and charged with murder.

The man would appear in Christchurch District Court this morning, when an application for a psychiatric assessment would be made, Mr Williams said.

Forensic teams were conducting a scene examination at the house and were likely to remain there for several days.

The woman's body had been removed from the house and a post-mortem examination was being carried out tonight.

Mr Williams said one of the occupants of the house had summoned police and an ambulance about 2.20pm yesterday.

The homicide inquiry was the second launched in the city in less than a week.

Last Monday night Maru Tuaputa, also known as Maru George, died after being stabbed on the grounds of St Luke's Church, in central Christchurch. Picton man Paul Desmond McKenzie, 26, has been charged with murdering the 33-year-old Aucklander who had moved to Christchurch about four years ago.

- NZPA