Key Takeaways
- A man has appeared in court in relation to the suspected double homicide of a farming couple, Brendon and Trina Cole.
- The couple’s bodies were discovered on the driveway of their Ruatiti home on December 13.
- A nearly two-week search for the person of interest ended when the man handed himself in to police on Christmas Day.
- The man was arrested on an active warrant and is currently undergoing further investigation.
- Police are continuing to make inquiries in the area to gather more information about the suspected double homicide.
Introduction to the Case
The Whanganui Chronicle reported on December 25, 2025, that a man had appeared in court in connection with the suspected double homicide of a farming couple, Brendon and Trina Cole. The couple’s bodies were discovered on the driveway of their home in Ruatiti, near Whanganui National Park, on December 13. This incident sparked a nearly two-week search for a person of interest, which finally came to an end when the man handed himself in to police on Christmas Day.
The Search for the Person of Interest
The search for the person of interest began shortly after the discovery of the couple’s bodies. Central District Commander Superintendent Dion Bennett led the investigation, and police worked tirelessly to gather information and track down the suspect. The community was left in shock and mourning after the brutal discovery, and many were eager to see justice served. As the search continued, police urged anyone with information to come forward and assist with the investigation. The man’s decision to hand himself in to police on Christmas Day brought a sense of relief to the community, but also raised many questions about the events surrounding the suspected double homicide.
The Arrest and Investigation
The man presented himself to the Whanganui Police Station at approximately 1:30 pm on Christmas Day, where he was arrested on an active warrant. Superintendent Bennett stated that police on the ground in the area would now be making further inquiries in the investigation. This suggests that the police are working to gather more information and piece together the events surrounding the suspected double homicide. The investigation is ongoing, and it is likely that more details will emerge in the coming days and weeks. As the police continue to investigate, they will be working to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Brendon and Trina Cole and to build a case against the suspect.
The Community’s Response
The community in and around Whanganui has been left to grapple with the aftermath of the suspected double homicide. The discovery of the couple’s bodies sent shockwaves through the community, and many have been struggling to come to terms with the brutal nature of the crime. As the investigation continues, the community will be watching closely to see how the case unfolds. The fact that the man handed himself in to police on Christmas Day has brought a sense of relief to some, but others may still be feeling anxious and uncertain about the outcome of the investigation. As more information emerges, the community will be looking for answers and closure in the wake of this tragic event.
Next Steps in the Investigation
As the police continue to investigate the suspected double homicide, they will be working to gather more evidence and build a case against the suspect. This may involve interviewing witnesses, analyzing forensic evidence, and reconstructing the events surrounding the deaths of Brendon and Trina Cole. The police will also be working to determine the motive behind the crime and to establish a clear timeline of events. As the investigation progresses, it is likely that more details will emerge, and the community will be kept informed about the latest developments in the case. The suspected double homicide has sent shockwaves through the community, and it is hoped that the investigation will bring closure and justice to the families and loved ones of the victims.