More charges have been laid against double murder-accused Russell John Tully, who appeared in the High Court at Christchurch this morning.
Police released an image of John Tully, who is being sought after the Ashburton shooting. Photo: NZ POLICE
Mr Tully is charged with the murder of Work and Income officers Peggy Noble and Leigh Cleveland, who were shot dead in Ashburton on 1 September.
He is also charged with the attempted murder of Lindy Curtis, who was shot in the leg.
The further charges include a second charge of attempted murder, this time in relation to a woman named in court documents as Kim Elizabeth Adams.
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He also faces two charges of unlawful possession of a firearm - a pump action shotgun and a semi automatic rifle - one charge of theft, and one of setting traps.
Police have previously announced they have found one of those firearms but are refusing to confirm to Radio New Zealand which of the two is still missing.
Mr Tully also faces a charge of trap setting, with police alleging he tied a length of steel wire between trees specifically to injure people.
The eighth and final charge is one of theft, relating to a mountain bike, a leather jacket and various grocery items under the value of $500.
Mr Tully is yet to enter any plea and Justice Whata did not want to take any until the psychiatric assessment he has ordered has been completed, which will be carried out over the next two weeks during his remand to a psychiatric unit. He will next appear in court on 7 October.
Office remains closed
Work and Income has yet to reopen in Ashburton, almost a month on from the shootings.
A Ministry of Social Development spokesperson said today that colleagues remain on leave and the ministry is still searching for a temporary alternative site to run services from.
The spokesperson said it has introduced a phone service support team for Ashburton clients, so in most cases they do not need to travel.