Arrest in John Murray Morton case

Police have today arrested and charged a 52-year-old local man with the murder of John Murray Morton whose body was located on the morning of Thursday 4 August 2016 within a boat situated at the Nelson Haven on QE2 Drive.

This man was known to Mr MORTON and will appear in the Nelson District Court on Monday 22nd August 2016.

Detective Inspector Paul Borrell said a team of Detectives working from Nelson supported by Analysts, forensic scientists and fingerprint experts, have worked tirelessly on this enquiry since the 4th of August in their efforts to identify the offender responsible for Mr Morton’s death.

Our team has also included Detectives brought in from Christchurch, Dunedin and Invercargill.

"I would especially like to pass on our thanks and appreciation to members of the Nelson community and media for their support to date with this investigation.

As result of this support, valuable information critical to our enquiry has been received which included information provided anonymously to police.

“Thorough investigation, attention to detail along with the use of a variety of investigative techniques have brought us to this important milestone in this investigation.

"We are and remain absolutely committed to keeping our communities safe and will make every effort to bring persons who choose to commit such serious crimes against others to account”.

We would also like to encourage anyone who may have provided earlier information about the accused man now in our custody, or has further information relating to the death of Mr Morton, to contact the Nelson Police on 03 546 3895.

As the matter is before the courts, police are unable to comment further.

ENDS

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