McGregor murder accused appears in court

Marice McGregor. Photo / Supplied

A 42-year-old Feilding man has appeared in Wanganui District Court charged with the murder of Wanganui woman Marice McGregor last month.

The man turned himself in to police yesterday afternoon and was charged with murder last night.

Judge Michael Radford granted the man interim name suppression until 4pm on Friday so he could inform members of his family of the charges.

He was remanded in custody to reappear on June 15.

Ms McGregor was last seen alive at Lismore Forest northeast of Wanganui on State Highway 4 on April 19.

The body of the 45-year-old sickness beneficiary was found by police on May 12 in a ravine close to the highway and about 36km north of where she was last seen. An autopsy later found she suffered head injuries.

Ms McGregor's funeral was held yesterday.

Police Central Districts communications manager Kim Perks said the family had asked for privacy.

"We always wanted to know how Marice died so to hear that someone has been charged is a relief," the family said in a statement.

"If she did die at the hands of someone else the justice system now has a chance to do its work and we are pleased about that.

"We would also like to take the opportunity to thank those people who over the last few weeks have contacted the police with information and hopefully will continue to do so."

Although Ms McGregor was last seen at Lismore Forest, collecting firewood and pinecones, on April 19, it was not until a week later that she was reported missing, sparking a major police hunt which later became a murder inquiry.

After her body was found on May 12, it took another week before it was formally identified because of the advanced state of decomposition.

On May 5 police examined a Feilding house as part of their search.

They also worked with telecommunications experts after it was revealed Ms McGregor's phone was turned on briefly in Feilding the morning after she was last seen.

It was not used to make any calls or send text messages, despite Ms McGregor's preference for communication via text message or email.

Ms McGregor's red Suzuki Escudo was found parked near Lismore Forest.

Police later seized a green Mitsubishi 4WD van seen in the area.

- NZPA

- NZPA, NEWSTALK ZB