We will catch grandmother's killer, say police

Personal messages adorn ballons at the funeral of Mona Morriss in Marton yesterday. Picture / Alan Gibson

Police investigating the murder of Marton woman Mona Morriss remain confident they will catch the 83-year-old's killer.

Mrs Morriss was found dead in her Marton flat a week ago by family members, prompting police to establish a huge presence in the Rangitikei town of 5000.

Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Arnerich, who is heading the 35-member police inquiry, told NZPA today, he was still confident standard police investigation procedures would net Mrs Moriss' killer.

There had been no new developments in the inquiry overnight and police were still working on establishing Mrs Morriss' movements on Monday, January 3, and the movements of anybody else around her flat on that and the following day.

Mr Arnerich said police had recovered several items that could have been used to kill Mrs Morriss, but would not comment further on those items.

He said several forensic samples had been sent for testing, but he believed police would solve the killing through standard investigation procedures.

"I think we will solve this with good old detective work."

Mrs Morriss was a mother of nine, grandmother of 33, and great-grandmother of 19. Yesterday hundreds of people gathered at her funeral to say goodbye.

Her family paid tribute to a mother who loved her nine kids unconditionally and a nana who adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Her funeral was held at the Marton Memorial Hall, beside the flats she lived and died in.

"She had a heart as big as herself, was so independent and loved her whole family unconditionally. Our love and memories of Mum will last forever," her son Wayne Morriss said.

Marton man Ron McCulloch, who officiated at the funeral, told mourners they should seek comfort from each other.

"Tears are welling, but let them fall for this special lady. That is what Mona would have wanted."

- NZPA