West Auckland police have charged a 51-year-old man with the rape and murder of Auckland hairdresser Marie Jamieson whose body was found seven years ago.
The 23-year-old was last seen leaving a liquor store in Newton, Auckland in February, 2001. Her naked body was found nine days later behind a factory in Ranui in West Auckland.
The arrest comes hard on the heels of an announcement this week that the seven year old case was being reopened, and DNA samples had been taken from two new suspects.
DNA found on her clothing had always been a core part of the investigation.
A recent review of the case saw a fresh push for a breakthrough.
"It was simply a matter of applying some new time and technology factors that have come into it ," says Detective Inspector Steve Wood.
The arrested man did not feature in the initial inquiry.
The accused man, a sickness beneficiary, was arrested in Kaitaia on Thursday night and appeared in the Kaitaia District Court on Friday. Police will not say if he knew Marie Jamieson.
He was granted name suppression and remanded in custody to appear in the Waitakere District Court next Wednesday.
In a brief statement, Marie Davidson's family say they are pleased for her sake that someone has been arrested for her murder.
"It has been an agonising and heartbreaking seven years for our family and it is not over yet," the statement said.
The original police investigation struggled for leads, despite extensive publicity and a $50 000 dollar reward.
The head of that investigation is now retired, but says it is a case that got under his skin.
"Very significant case in my police career, it's something I've always thought about over the years. I was confident it would be solved one day, "says Mark Pierson.
News of an arrest has delighted the man who lead Marie Jamiesons's memorial service.
Detective Inspector Steve Wood says DNA evidence will form part of the case. He has not ruled out further arrests.
The charged man will appear in court in Auckland on Wednesday.
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