Detective Inspector Martin James said it was exceptional for police to have made two significant arrests within a month, and he hoped it reassured Smith’s family and the community.
“It’s been 24 days since Sharlene’s body was found, and for our busy team to have achieved this result so promptly should reassure the community we take these significant incidents incredibly seriously.”
James praised Acting Senior Sergeant Kris Payne and the investigation team for their work, as well as members of the public who came forward with information, such as CCTV footage.
“They have taken the time to trawl through video and then notify police, and their efforts have helped immensely in getting these quick arrests.”
On Wednesday, police asked the public for sightings of a white 2005 Mazda 3 sports hatchback along a specific route through Hawke’s Bay that they believed her alleged killer might have taken.
They said they were also seeking Smith’s handbag and Samsung Galaxy A06 cellphone, believed to have been discarded along the route.