Body found by police hunting missing person

MURDER INQUIRY: Harold Skudder was last seen in December 2006.

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Police investigating the death of a man who went missing three years ago have found skeletal remains at a property in Upper Hutt.

They were found by police investigating the death of Harold Alamolti Taipa Skudder, 38, who was reported missing by his mother in February 2008 and was last seen in December 2006.

The remains were found down a steep bank on Moonshine Hill Rd in Upper Hutt today.

A 26-year-old Miramar man was granted name suppression when he appeared in Lower Hutt District Court today charged with murdering Skudder at Lower Hutt on or about January 24, 2007.

Wellington police district field crime manager Detective Inspector Shane Cotter said Mr Skudder's family had been notified of today's find.

Part of Moonshine Hill Rd had been cordoned off.

Mr Cotter said a formal identification would be made, possibly using dental records or DNA.

Mr Skudder's mother reported the 38-year-old missing in January 2008, a year after his disappearance.

"They are pleased that there's been a resolution in the matter, but they're obviously very upset that Harold has been killed," Mr Cotter said.

"Again, they're awaiting the identification of the skeletal remains so that if it is Harry, they're able to lay him to rest properly."

Mr Skudder had four children, and was living a transient lifestyle at the time he disappeared which was part of the reason he was not reported missing for 15 months, he told RNZ.

In court this morning, Judge Jill Moss said the name suppression issue needed to be fully argued at the man's next appearance next Thursday, March 25.

The accused man's lawyer Liz Hall asked for suppression on the grounds that it was a recent arrest and the lead lawyer for the defence, Greg King, needed to take instructions, and also for the accused's family to be advised.

Police sergeant Karl Dulver opposed suppression. He said police wanted the name of the accused released in the hope that further witnesses may come forward.

The accused man is in custody.

He also faced a charge of intentional damage after allegedly breaking a window in January this year.

New information from the public had led to the arrest, Mr Cotter said.

"Because of its merit, we've been able to progress this case significantly, resulting in an arrest," he said yesterday.

Another scene examination was being conducted at a property in Delaney Dr, Stokes Valley.

"Though we have made an arrest, I am sure there are people out there in the community that know about Harry's disappearance. I urge those people to come forward," Mr Cotter said.

Police were talking with Mr Skudder's family and friends, and the family and friends of the accused.

Anyone with information on Mr Skudder's disappearance is asked to contact Lower Hutt police or the anonymous police Crime Stoppers line 0800 555 111.

- with NZPA

- © Fairfax NZ News