Cash taken from murder victim’s account

The boyfriend of slain sex worker Renee Duckmanton is under investigation for allegedly withdrawing more than $1000 from her bank account after her death.

A member of the public found the 22-year-old’s body after spotting a scrub fire on Main Rakaia Rd, near State Highway 1, on Sunday May 15.

Sainey Marong, 32, understood to be from Gambia, is accused of murdering Duckmanton on May 14.

It is understood Duckmanton’s boyfriend, Sam Doak, is under investigation for transferring more than $1000 out of Duckmanton’s account after her death.

Fairfax Media has obtained bank statements that show money transferred from Duckmanton’s account into another account.

The money was then transferred into an account belonging to Doak’s father, Robert Doak.

The transactions are less than two weeks after Duckmanton’s death. It is understood the money came from her benefit which continued for several weeks after her death.

Detective Inspector Darryl Sweeney said police were aware of the allegations and were making inquiries. He declined to comment further.

Duckmanton’s father, Brent McGrath, said he was ‘‘lost for words’’ regarding the allegations.

A Ministry of Social Development spokesman said it was assisting police.