The family of Richard Leman, who went missing in Rangiora, has spoken out tonight saying they believe he was murdered.

Leman, 41, had been missing for two weeks.

On April 17, a car linked to Richard was found in a garage on Tyler Street in Rangiora and a body was found inside sparking a homicide investigation by the Canterbury police.

Richard Leman’s sister Nicky Leman has taken to Facebook to express her grief and sorrow at the loss of her beloved brother.

“The time has come, the Leman family now has official confirmation, that our much-loved Richard will not be coming home to us as we had hoped and prayed for.”

“He was murdered by unknown assailants and now we hope and pray they get caught and we get Justice for what they have done to our Richard.”

Nicky said “he has been taken away from us well before his time.

We will never receive Richard’s bear hugs again. He will never see his children grow up or watch them play rugby or soccer again. He was such a proud and devoted father to his three beloved sons aged 10 and younger, Mason, Phoenix, and Zavier.”

“He was the adored son of Norman and Vanessa, the much-loved little brother to Kim, Nicky, and Mark, loved brother-in-law to Michelle as well as the doting Uncle to Hayley, Sharise, Brooke, Slade, Ashlee, Matthew, Michael, Izobella, Aleiya, Brooklyn, Kobi, and Storm.”

Nicky said “my brother Richard Leman was 41 years old, He was last seen at the Lilly Brook Shops in Rangiora 8.20pm Tuesday 11th April.”

“A little about Richard, he may of looked rough and tough but he was a big baby at heart and a mummy’s boy, he loved his 3 sons, his Mum and Dad, brother, sisters, nieces and nephews. Our little brother Richard had the kindest heart, loved his children, loved his family and would do anything to help others.”

“We humbly ask for donations to assist with costs for his funeral and in lieu of flowers to cover off expenses as he did not have insurance, any excess funds will be going directly to his three sons.”

A give a litte page has been set up

ANY INFO THAT CAN ASSIST THE POLICE CALL 111 or 105 stating case number 230415/8026