Murder accused appears in court

Patrick Young has been arrested. Photo / Supplied

A man who allegedly beat his stepmother's brother so badly he died following a clash at a South Auckland property has appeared in court to face a murder charge.

After an eight-day manhujnt, Patrick Young, 42, was last night charged with the murder of Aran Jenkanying, 56, and with wounding Arunee Jenkanying, 57, the dead man's sister, with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

He was remanded in custody until February 14 after appearing at Manukau District Court late this morning.

Young allegedly attacked the pair when they found him at an Otara property last Wednesday.

Ms Jenkanying owned the property with Young's father, who died last year. It is understood she wanted to sell, but Young and others in his family were against the idea.

Mr Jenkanying suffered severe head injuries in the attack and died in hospital last Saturday after his life support was switched off.

Police announced Young's arrest last night, just hours after they revealed Northland woman Ana Runanga Edmonds, 28, believed to be Young's girlfriend, might have been helping the fugitive evade police.

She has been charged with being an accessory after the fact to murder and will appear in court on Monday.

Detective Senior Sergeant David Glossop said the pair were in Manurewa yesterday. He would not say how they were found.

"We don't want to reveal our techniques. But they were located at different addresses," he said.

Mr Jenkanying's family had been informed of the arrest. Mr Glossop said they were relieved and grateful Young had been found.

Ms Jenkanying is still in hospital in a serious but improving condition.

Police warned today other people may be charged with harbouring Young.

"There are at least two people we are seriously considering and then there is a number of others we will look at," said Mr Glossop.

He said Young's car, a white, 1997 Toyota Corolla station wagon, registered number WE4873, was still missing and anyone hiding it could be charged.

- with NZPA