Hammer used to kill widow | Canterbury News | Local News in Canterbury

The 62-year-old woman killed in her Huntsbury home late last week by an intruder was bashed with a hammer.

Gaynor Alice White, a widow, was attacked in her Aotea Tce home with a hammer the offender is thought to have found on her property.

She suffered severe head injuries.

Police yesterday refused to discuss the murder weapon with The Star.

Unemployed Parklands man Shaun Timothy Skilling, 22, appeared in the district court today charged with Mrs White's murder.

Supporters of Mrs White had to be restrained as they hurled abuse at Skilling.

"You don't deserve to be on this earth," said one supporter, while another shouted, "Die!"

Skilling was arrested by armed police on Saturday afternoon in the car park of Pak'n Save, Moorhouse Ave.

The quick arrest came after tip offs from people who knew Skilling, and information from the public.

Mrs White's body had been found the previous day by a family member.

Mrs White had missed an appointment, and her family had been contacted.

Skilling appeared in court on Monday charged with the burglary of Mrs White's home, and unlawfully taking her Mazda Lantis car. The car was found abandoned near the Heathcote River in Opawa on Saturday.

Skilling was also charged on Monday with the burglary of another Huntsbury house last Wednesday, and assaulting another woman earlier this month.

Acting Detective Inspector Dave Long said yesterday he would "not comment at all" on the murder weapon.

Thirty-five police staff were working on the investigation, and search warrants had recovered property allegedly taken from Mrs White's house.

"We have recovered some items definitely taken from the address, and some others that may have been," Acting Detective Inspector Long said.

Mrs White’s family were yet to go through her house to see if anything else was missing, he said. Mrs White co-owned clothing manufacturer Wraggs Manufacturing with her late husband, Dennis White.

She was widowed six years ago. She is survived by two children and a grandchild.