'Heartbreaking' time for family of allegedly murdered man

Saturday, 3 June 2023

Richard Leman was found dead in Rangiora, North Canterbury, on April 17.

The family of an allegedly murdered man, whose body was found in a parked car, say the past seven weeks have been “heartbreaking” and “stressful”.

A 46-year-old man was arrested on Saturday morning and charged with murdering Richard Leman, acting Detective Senior Sergeant Daniel Overend said.

Leman’s body was found in a car parked at an abandoned house in Rangiora, North Canterbury, on April 17.

In a post on Facebook, Leman’s sister, Nicky Leman, wrote: “The Leman family have prayed for this day to come, for an arrest to be made, and for justice to prevail.

* Family of missing Christchurch man say he was 'murdered by unknown assailants'

Police raided a property in North Canterbury, just a few blocks from where Leman’s body was discovered in a car.

“Richard was and always will be a son, a brother and a father who loved his family with all that he had and in return his family loved him unconditionally.

“As Richard’s book of life is written this chapter is now closed, with the remaining chapters yet to be written, undoubtedly, they will be filled with more tears as we navigate the times ahead, watching, waiting and praying for justice to be served.”

She thanked police for their “absolute commitment” and “unwavering determination” in finding her brother’s alleged murderer.

Police asked a neighbour for a crowbar and hammer to get access to a car at a derelict Rangiora property. A body was found in the vehicle.

Officers, including members of the armed offenders squad, searched a house on Oxford Rd in Rangiora on Saturday morning, Overend said.

The man charged with murder was due to appear in the Christchurch District Court on Monday, June 5.

Police launched a homicide investigation after Leman’s body was found in his white Nissan Fuga in the garage of a derelict property on the corner of Tyler and Durham streets.

The 41-year-old father of three was last seen six days before, outside Rangiora’s Lilybrook shops. Friends and family later posted online for information on his whereabouts, worried about his safety and mental health.

Police spent several days examining the abandoned house where Leman’s body was found.

Several days later, armed police searched a house on Andrew St – 350m away.

The house is owned by a friend of Leman’s. She told Stuff Leman visited on multiple occasions and was looking to move into one of the rooms.

On the night of his disappearance, Leman took takeaways to the Andrew St house. The owner emphatically denies any involvement in his disappearance.

Police still urged anyone with specific information relating to Leman’s murder to call them on 105 and quote file 230415/8026.

Police said they could not comment further now the matter was before the courts.

*CORRECTION: Police initially said the man charged with Richard Leman’s murder would be in court on Tuesday, June 6. His first appearance was actually Monday, June 5. (Amended 11.17am, June 5, 2023)