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Jason Somerville and Rebecca Somerville - Source: ONE News -
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A Christchurch man charged with the murder of his wife has had name suppression lifted and has also been charged with the murder of Tisha Lowry.
Jason Paul Somerville of Wainoni made a brief reappearance in
the Christchurch District Court on Friday.
His appearance was of high public interest but the 33-year-old was
apparently emotionless during his 60 seconds in the dock. The
courtroom was also very quiet throughout his appearance.
He was charged with the murder of Tisha Lowry, whose body along with that of his wife, Rebecca Somerville, was found under his Wainoni house last week .
Mr Somerville was charged with the murder of his 35-year-old wife last week.
The couple have three children who were not living in the house at the time. It is understood they have been in care in Taupo for some time.
Lowry, 28, lived two doors from the Wainoni house and had been missing for nearly a year. Her body was identified on Wednesday.
Judge John Bisphan remanded Somerville in custody to a post committal conference on November 12.
Defence counsel David Ruth said a psychiatric assessment would be done at some stage.
Mrs Somerville's family, speaking for the first time in a statement, say she was struggling to get her life back on track and making good progress and that they are proud of her and her achievements.
It is a terrible tragedy for the three families involved and Mr
Somerville's aunt says his family too is distraught.
"There's a total devastation for the family, and an unbelief," says
Jillian Somerville.
She hopes in time to meet with the mother of the woman her nephew is accused of killing.
"I would just want to hold her and cry with her. I just can't
imagine the pain that she's feeling," she says.
Neither of the families of Lowry or Mrs Somerville were at court on
Friday and apart from their statements they have chosen not to
speak to the media and have asked to be left alone.
Funerals will be held for both women on Saturday. Lowry's private funeral is to be held in Christchurch at 1pm and Mrs Somerville's will be at 1pm at Taupo Baptist Church.
Her family travelled down to Christchurch to collect her ashes and have taken them back to Taupo for her official farewell.
Police will also remain at the scene in Wainoni Road until Monday.
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