The man charged with murdering Aucklander Denver Chance has appeared in court.
The accused appeared in Papakura District Court on Monday morning charged with killing the 43-year-old, whose body was found on Sunday.
He didn't enter a plea, and was granted name suppression.
Mr Chance was last seen alive driving away from his home in Mairangi Bay on the North Shore on February 24. Police over the weekend narrowed their search to Kingseat, near Pukekohe in Auckland's south, using CCTV footage and cellphone data.
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Det Snr Sgt Megan Goldie said the police's thoughts were with Mr Chance's family and friends.
"Their worst fears have now been realised and they are absolutely devastated.
"Our focus throughout the investigation was finding Denver and being able to provide his family with answers.
"This is not the outcome any of us wanted, but at least we are now able to return Denver to his family and hold the person allegedly responsible for his death to account."
A post-mortem will be carried out in the next few days.
Newshub.
