The body of a man found dead on a Rangiora property was that of Richard Leyman, according to media reports.
Leyman was last seen at a shopping complex in Rangiora at 8.20pm on 11 April. Police discovered the body yesterday after receiving a call to attend the Tyler Street property around 7.40pm.
The unoccupied property is owned by Kainga Ora and is in a state of disrepair.
In a statement police said that work was currently underway to formally identify the victim.
‘Until that identification process is complete, Police will not be in a position to provide further details regarding the victim.
‘Cordons remain in place at the address and residents can expect to see a continued police presence in the area in the coming days.’
Anyone with information which could assist Police enquiries is asked to get in touch via our 105 phone service or online using Update My Report. Please reference file number 230415/8026.
Alternatively information can be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
Police initially reported the death as unexplained, but it has now been upgraded to a homicide investigation.
Leman’s family had been actively posting on social media seeking information about his whereabouts in the days following his disappearance, as well as distributing flyers. A Givealittle page was set up to help with the family’s costs.
‘We couldn’t just sit and do nothing. We have taken on the search and any and all information we are providing to the Police, but as we all know the Police are under-resourced. So we are following up on possible sightings from our social media posts, putting out flyers, and searching daily. We also need to cover his personal costs until he is found,’ wrote Leman’s sister Nicola.
There is a very quiet, but very active gang element in Rangiora.
And, it includes people you would never suspect (ie grandmothers, etc.)
Attacks on those who are not welcomed nor liked there seem to be on the rise.
Family members who used to live there were harassed to the point they moved to Oz!
MoE & MoH elements tried to take their child away using CYFS via the SLT office on Kippenberger Avenue, and made up lies, half truths, and ignored diagnosed facts, blaming the parents for all of the problems!