Police investigating the death of a person found burnt in the boot of a car don’t believe it is connected to the Claire Hills murder five years ago.
Detective Senior Sergeant David Pearson said there’d been some speculation among media that the incidents might be connected but says, though the inquiry into today’s discovery in Mt Wellington is in its very early stages, it didn’t appear there were any links.
"It’s possible that whoever the person was who was found in the Mitsubishi Diamante sedan by Fire Service staff this morning, is in some way connected to the registered owner of the vehicle," Mr Pearson said.
"Obviously we’re making inquiries to establish or discount any connection. Simultaneously we’re working towards removing the body from the boot today, but we have to be very careful to try and preserve as much of the remains intact, as we can.
"We’re hoping to be able to proceed with a post-mortem examination tomorrow which may enlighten us about the events surrounding this person’s death."
He said the deceased was found face down in the boot, further fuelling suspicions someone else was involved in the event.