KEY POINTS:
The man charged with the murder of a West Auckland pensioner is to undergo a psychiatric assessment before his next court appearance.
Wayne John Reid, 57, appeared in the Waitakere District Court this morning, charged with the murder of 84-year-old Beryl Campbell.
Reid was remanded in custody and will undergo a psychiatric assessment at the Mason Clinic before his next appearance on March 18.
Reid's lawyer, Peter Winter, asked for name suppression but Judge Tremewan said his name could be published because family were aware of his arrest.
Reid stood in the dock with his arms folded and nodded when the judge told him he would need to be remanded for psychiatric evaluation.
Mrs Campbell was found dead in her Henderson home on February 21 by police, who were called by neighbours.
On Saturday, a police dive squad scoured two small lakes off Hillwell Drive in Western Heights, looking for items related to the case.
Mrs Campbell was initially thought to have died from natural causes and police referred the case to the coroner.
However, it was reopened a week ago after police received new information.
Detective Senior Sergeant Jill Rogers today said Reid was among a number of people spoken to by police during the course of their enquiries.
An autopsy on Campbell's body did not reveal a definite cause of death.
- NZHERALD STAFF
