Police say Stanlake killed in drug house

Tony Stanlake

Former firefighter Tony Stanlake was mutilated and killed in a Wellington drug house that has since been vigorously cleaned inside, police say.

Police have recovered drug-related items from a Strathavon Rd property in Miramar, as well as items that forensics experts are examining to see whether they were involved in the murder.

"Early indications are that there has been vigorous attempts to clean the house up," said Detective Inspector Mike Arnerich, head of the homicide investigation.

"Furniture has been shifted around, and there have certainly been attempts to clean with chemicals and other substances to disguise what may have occurred there.

"A lot has changed in the house."

He said the role of drugs was becoming a more prominent factor, though it was too early to say whether it was the motive for the killing.

"We've found a number of items at the house that are involved with cannabis, and certainly as the inquiry progresses, cannabis, its cultivation and distribution is becoming more and more relevant," he said.

"We believe Tony Stanlake was killed at the house, and are optimistic we will be able to identify where in the house he was killed."

The role of drugs in the murder has been questioned since Mr Stanlake's body - minus its hands and with a slashed throat - was found on Wellington's south coast on the morning of July 9.

Mr Stanlake was convicted of growing cannabis in 2001. He claimed it was to counter depression after his son's suicide the previous year, and to ease the back pain that forced him from the Fire Service after more than 20 years.

Police have looked at 10 sites during the investigation and have been at the Miramar house - a two-storey home with five bedrooms, a garage, shed and surrounding grounds - since Wednesday, three days after the body was found.

The owners of the property built the house themselves and raised their three sons there before moving to Australia 2 1/2 years ago.

The mother of one of the owners said their beloved home was now tainted.

"It's a family home. Just imagine what's happened inside there, and my son built it with his own hands.

"He loves that house. It's a loving home.

"[My son] is in shock. We're all upset. Who wouldn't be upset?"

Mr Arnerich said police would continue to examine the property for several weeks.

When asked if police were close to making another arrest, he said: "We are making excellent progress, but I have to emphasise this will be a prolonged investigation."

Police are still yet to determine the exact time of Mr Stanlake's death, or recover his hands.

The last sighting of him was on July 6 at Bunnings Warehouse. His lifeless body was found three days later.

Police are still asking the public for clues that may shed light on the connection between Mr Stanlake and Moore, and their movements in the days leading up to July 9.

"We would like to hear from anyone who has had some association with the house or its occupants ... or from people living in the area who may have seen or heard any unusual comings or goings at the house," Mr Arnerich said.

A neighbour told the Herald last night that she never felt there was anything untoward happening at the Miramar house.

"I didn't really know them. They used to sit outside in summer as young people do, a few drinks and some music, but they never worried me.

"Naturally, I'm very shocked to hear [about the murder]."

* Police hotline: Anyone with any information is asked to call police on 0508-733-762.