Warning: Some readers may find this story disturbing.
Police have revealed gruesome details in the case of murdered Richard Leman, who was found dead in the boot of his car last month.
Leman, 41, was missing for almost a week when police officers found his body in the boot of a car parked in the garage of an abandoned property in the Canterbury town of Rangiora, on April 17.
A 46-year-old man was arrested and charged with murder on Saturday. Police believe there are other people involved in the murder.
On Thursday, police confirmed they are looking for some of the father-of-three's remains.
According to the NZ Herald, police found Leman's torso in the boot of his own car and there were several body parts missing. The outlet understands Leman was shot.
Police said they are releasing the details in the hope to provide some closure for Leman's family.
"We are not in a position to provide any further information in relation to this, however, this is understandably very distressing for Mr Leman's family," Detective Senior Sergeant Tania Jellyman said
"We would like to be able to recover the missing remains so his family can move forward from this tragedy."
Police believe the others involved in the gruesome killing would have discussed what occurred with their friends and associates.
"We have every confidence that someone in the Rangiora community knows what has happened here," Det Snr Srg Jellyman said.
"We are urging you to do the right thing and come forward to speak to us."
Leman was last seen at the Lillybrook Shops in Rangiora on the night of April 11. His family were posting across social media to try and locate him.
On April 17, his body was found at a property on Tyler Street.
Police launched a homicide inquiry, appealing for sightings of his white Nissan Fuga in the lead-up to his death.
A man appeared in the Christchurch District Court charged with Leman's murder and was granted interim name suppression.
'Taken away from us'
Richard's sister, Nicky Leman, confirmed his death following the long search for her brother.
"Our much-loved Richard will not be coming home to us as we had hoped and prayed for," she wrote.
"He has been taken away from us well before his time. We will never receive Richard’s bear hugs again."
Nicky said her brother will never see his three sons grow up, aged 10 years old and younger, or "watch them play rugby or soccer again".
"He was such a proud and devoted father," she said.
Anyone with information, no matter how insignificant you may think it is, is urged to get in contact with the police on 105. Please reference file number 230415/8026. Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
