Wed, 09 Sep 2009 12:00a.m.
By Juanita Copeland
Police have confirmed the second body found under the floor of a Christchurch house is that of 28-year-old Tisha Lowry, who disappeared nearly a year ago.
The police have also announced they are going to charge the owner of the house with her murder, as well as that of his wife.
Police and pathologists used dental records to confirm the body removed from the house on Monday was that of Ms Lowry.
"Obviously this is a tragic conclusion for a family that's waited nearly a year now for information about their daughter, granddaughter, sister and friend," says Detective Inspector Tom Fitzgerald.
Police would not discuss the cause of death or injuries sustained by Ms Lowry or the homeowner's wife, whose bodies were found buried under the floor of the house on Friday.
A statement was read on behalf of the Lowry family.
"The family's pleased to have closure now and sincerely thank the police and volunteers who helped when Tisha went missing and for all their hard work to date. Most importantly they say thanks for all the love and support received from our family and friends, thank you."
Neighbours were hardly surprised the second body was Ms Lowry's as she used to live just two doors away. They are also backing Mayor Bob Parker's suggestion the council buy the so-called 'house of horrors' and the adjoining property.
"I think it would be a good idea to put it into a nice park, a memorial," says resident Carolyn Briggs. "It would be great."
"I think it's a good idea," says Steve Briggs. "If they don't do something about it the people here will burn this place out. To bowl it straight away would be the best idea."
But negotiations have not even begun with the homeowners, and police say they will be watching the house after they finish the scene examination on Saturday.
"We'll have to take some security measures, but we'd have to hope the community would realise that there is things in place with the house that has been discussed and that should take its course," says Mr Fitzgerald.
Police will be releasing Ms Lowry's body to her family for a tangi tomorrow, and on Friday the owner of the house will appear in court charged with her murder.
3 News
