Man charged with murder after woman found dead in Edgeware

A 52-year-old man has been charged with the murder of 37-year-old Sarah Megan Brown. Police were called to a property on Purchas St in Edgeware, Christchurch, just before 6am on Wednesday, where Brown was found dead. A man was taken into custody at the scene and a murder charge was laid overnight.

The man appeared in the Christchurch District Court via audio-visual link on Wednesday afternoon. Judge Michael Crosbie granted the man interim name suppression and remanded him in custody without plea. He is due to reappear in the High Court on 16 October.

Neighbours described Brown as a mother who was intelligent, creative, and enjoyed gardening. One resident noted there was a party at one of the flats on Tuesday night. Another resident reported hearing "banging and crashing" or loud bangs at approximately 3am.

Detective Senior Sergeant Colin Baillie stated that police are not seeking anyone else in relation to the death. A scene guard has remained at the address while police complete a scene examination. Residents can expect an ongoing police presence in the area.

How it developed

• Thu 1 Oct, 8:44amThe defendant appeared in court via audio-visual link and was granted interim name suppression by Judge Michael Crosbie.
• Thu 1 Oct, 10:46amNeighbours provided personal tributes to Brown, describing her as intelligent and creative.

Where reports differ

• Reports vary on the exact location, with some specifying a property off Elderwood Lane or a property behind Elderwood Lane.
• The length of time Brown had been staying at the property is cited as at least one year or at least two years.
• One report states Brown was 36 years old, while others state she was 37.

Compiled from reports by 1News, RNZ, The Press, Stuff and NZ Herald.