Police seek sightings in Donnelly murder inquiry

Mary Donnelly. Photo / NZ Police

Upper Hutt police want to talk to two people in relation to the murder of an intellectually disabled woman.

Mary Donnelly was found in her Upper Hutt flat by family on August 30.

A 28-year-old man yesterday appeared in the Lower Hutt District Court charged with murder but about 20 officers are still investigating.

Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Thornton said police were interested in any sightings of a Maori in his late 20s or early 30s, of solid build and average height with dark wavy hair, who was near Ms Donnelly's home the day before she was killed.

They also wanted to talk to a teenager who was seen talking to the unknown man.

He was seen with the man about 5.15pm on Wednesday before the pair headed towards Fergusson Drive.

The teenager was described as Maori, of small build with brown hair. He was wearing a distinctive bright white jacket.

"He has done nothing wrong and is not in any form of trouble, however we would like to speak to him in relation to our investigation into Mary's death and I urge him to come forward and speak with police," Mr Thornton said.

Attempts to find out from police whether the older man was in any form of trouble were unsuccessful.

The accused will reappear in court next month after two psychiatric reports have been completed.