Murder charge in Gate Pa death

Police have charged a 19-year-old with the murder of 43 year old Harry Faulkner, whose body was found at a Tauranga address on Tuesday.

The male, from Watling St in Gate Pa, was previously charged with assault in connection with the death and he appeared in the Tauranga District Court yesterday.

Police said he was formally charged with murder during his reappearance in the Tauranga District Court this morning. He has been remanded in custody and will reappear on January 13.

The accused has interim name suppression till then. Name suppression for Mr Faulkner lapsed this afternoon, police said.

The officer in charge of the investigation, Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Turner, says the investigation team is grateful for the information and support they have received from the public, and Mr Faulkner's family.

But he says there is still a significant amount of work to be completed on the case, and police are keen to speak with anyone who may have been in the Watling St area on Monday or Tuesday.

Members of the public are asked to contact Tauranga Police on 07 577 4300 or 0800 SPEAKUP (0800 773 2587).