The body in the compost: The awful murder of Martin Berry

In January 2020 Rena Joyce walked into a Christchurch police station and made a startling confession.

She told officers she had killed her partner Martin Berry and that his body was buried in the compost heap at his home.

Following a trial in March 2022 Joyce - who had previous convictions for assaulting her partner - was found guilty of murdering Berry and in May she was sentenced to life in prison.

In this bonus episode of A Moment In Crime, Herald senior journalist Anna Leask goes inside the trial - and the sentencing.

For more on this case visit:

Rena Joyce sentenced to life in prison for murdering partner, dumping body in compost

Murdered and buried in his own garden - family speak about 'horrendous' death of Christchurch victim Martin Berry

Do you need help or advice around domestic violence:

• Shine, free national helpline 9am- 11pm every day - 0508 744 633 www.2shine.org.nz
• Women's Refuge: Free national crisis line operates 24/7 - 0800 refuge or 0800 733 843 www.womensrefuge.org.nz
• Shakti: Providing specialist cultural services for African, Asian and middle eastern women and their children. Crisis line 24/7 0800 742 584
• It's Not Ok: Information line 0800 456 450 www.areyouok.org.nz

If you are being abused, remember it's not your fault. Violence is never okay

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