Police investigating the disappearance, death and disposal of 32 year-old Remuera mother Carmen Thomas, this morning arrested a 32 year-old structural engineer from Remuera. He will appear in the Auckland District Court today charged with her murder.
Police are currently executing search warrants at residential and business addresses in Auckland.
Officer in charge of Operation Keppel, Detective Inspector Mark Benefield, says today's activities come after several weeks of hard work by his staff.
"We've made huge progress but we have got a long way to go yet to fully resolve this matter and we're determined to do so.
"I promised Carmen's mother I would do all I could to find her and I will do my best to keep that promise. I spoke with her this morning to advise her of our activities."
Mr Benefield said he couldn't rule out the possibility of further arrests and charges at some stage.
"We don't know where Carmen is and we don't know how many people have been involved in her demise along the way," he said.
"We have recovered several items of interest to the investigation over the past 10 weeks and many have been submitted for forensic examination.
"It is vital that anyone who has information about where Carmen is comes to us directly and gives us that information. She has a son and other family members who, along with us, want to ensure she is finally given a dignified resting place."
ENDS
Issued by Noreen Hegarty
Auckland City Police Communications Manager
Ph 09 302 6947 or 0274-951-589
Website: www.police.govt.nz