KEY POINTS:
A 35-year-old Christchurch man is due in court today charged with killing a "lonely, gullible guy" whose body was found in his blazing suburban flat on Saturday.
The man faces murder and arson charges over the death of Christopher John Hudson, 38.
The body of Mr Hudson, a process worker, was found at his Selwyn Street, Addington, flat after the Fire Service was called to the property about 2.30am on Saturday.
They made the grisly discovery after putting the fire out at the rear flat of the block of four.
Detective Senior Sergeant Brian Archer told The Press a man was arrested at 1pm yesterday, and would appear in Christchurch District Court today.
Although a post mortem has been completed, Mr Archer would not say whether Mr Hudson had died as a result of the fire or other injuries.
He confirmed the accused man and Mr Hudson were known to each other.
"We are not looking for any further persons."
Landlord Don Ferguson, a pastor at the South City Christian Centre, said it had been a harrowing day.
"He was a sad, lonely, gullible and generous guy, that was Chris," he told The Press.
Mr Ferguson said Mr Hudson, while well-intentioned, had a knack for rubbing people up the wrong way.
Mr Ferguson also said Mr Hudson was regularly taken advantage of by women.
"He would get a girlfriend and they would take advantage of his generosity and he fell for it every time," he said.
Mr Hudson's flat will remain cordoned off until at least tomorrow.
A neighbour said police had been searching nearby properties and drains for a knife.
- NZPA
