Man charged with murder over death of Lois Tolley in Upper Hutt in 2016

September 11, 2019

Police in Upper Hutt say more arrests will follow in the high-profile case.

A 27-year-old man has appeared in court charged with murder over the death of Lois Tolley, 30, in Upper Hutt in December 2016.

Police said in a statement this morning the man was arrested yesterday.

Tolley was killed in Upper Hutt in 2016.

Police had earlier said they believe four people smashed their way into Tolley's home on Ward Street on the night of Friday 9 December 2016 and shot Ms Tolley dead as she tried to flee.

They said they believe Ms Tolley was  deliberately targeted as part of a drug debt collection  or that they were looking for drugs and cash.

Today supporters of Ms Tolley cried out from the public gallery as the man accused of her murder nearly three years ago was taken away by court security.

The 27-year-old murder accused also faces charges of robbery with a shotgun and forced entry.

He faced those at the Hutt Valley District Court this morning. All relate to the brutal killing of Ms Tolley.

Her aunt Yvonne Tolley spoke briefly after the court appearance, thanking the police for their hard work.

"I'd just like to say thank you very much to the police for continuing their search and finally getting some results for us today.

Last year police revealed Ms Tolley’s death appeared to be connected to the local drug scene.

"Hopefully this will help us for the rest of our journey," she said.

Inspector Scott Miller said investigations were ongoing.

"My message to the other three (suspects) is I know their names and we will continue to pursue them actively in this inquiry."

The man has been remanded in custody until October 3. The case, including any plea, will be heard at the High Court.

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