By rnz.co.nz
Police are yet to locate some of the remains of Richard Leman, who was found deceased in his car in April.
They suspect there are more arrests to be made, in addition to the 46-year-old man already facing a murder charge.
Leman’s body was found in a vehicle at an abandoned property on Tyler Street, Rangiora, on 17 April. He had been missing for almost a week.
“Some of his remains have not yet been recovered,” Detective Senior Sergeant Tania Jellyman said today.
“We are not in a position to provide any further information in relation to this, however this is understandably very distressing for Leman’s family.
“We would like to be able to recover the missing remains so his family can move forward from this tragedy.”
The New Zealand Herald reported his torso was found in the car’s boot, with “several” parts still missing, after being shot.
Jellyman said police were hoping to provide “some closure” for Leman’s family.
“We believe there are also others involved. We believe the others involved would have discussed what occurred with their friends and associates.”
She said police were confident someone in the Rangiora community knew what happened to Leman.
“We are urging you to do the right thing and come forward to speak to us.”
Anyone with information “no matter how insignificant you may think it is” was urged to call police on 105, quoting file number 230415/8026, or by calling Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Before his body was found, Leman’s sister Nicola called him “a big baby at heart”, with “the kindest heart”.
In a social media post following the arrest, she said her family had “prayed for this day to come… and for justice to prevail”.
“Richard was and always will be a son, a brother and a father who loved his family with all that he had and in return his family loved him unconditionally. The past seven weeks have been the most heart-breaking and stressful of all our lives,
“As Richard’s book of life is written this chapter is now closed, with the remaining chapters yet to be written, undoubtedly, they will be filled with more tears as we navigate the times ahead, watching, waiting and praying for justice to be served.”
Leman thanked police for their commitment and determination to find his alleged murderer.
The man charged with murder was granted name suppression, and is scheduled to appear in court later this month.
