The arrest of a man over the murder of Renee Duckmanton is a relief to Christchurch sex workers, but they are shaken by her death, says the Prostitutes' Collective. Police have released the latest known image of Renee Duckmanton. Prostitutes' Collective spokesperson Catherine Healy said the fact that there had been an arrest was a relief to Christchurch sex workers.
Detective Inspector Darryl Sweeney said police believed her job in the sex-industry could be linked with her death and had been treating her death as a homicide. Mr Sweeney said while the arrest would not offer any solace, it was an important step for the family as they continued to grieve.
Renee was deeply loved by her family and many friends and she will be greatly missed," it said. Mr Sweeney said forensic specialists had also seized cars from across Christchurch, and four properties were also being examined.
The police were still appealing for information on the case, including any sightings of a silver Audi in the Manchester Street area on Saturday 14 May from 8pm, or the Rakaia area on 15 May between 6pm and 8pm.
Police also wanted to speak to occupants of a light-coloured vehicle seen on Main Road in Rakaia on Sunday, 15 May about 7. Police have released the last known image of a Christchurch woman, whose badly burnt body was found near Rakaia.
