A tablet computer found floating down a river in Blenheim three months ago is believed to belong to the man accused of killing two Work and Income staff in Ashburton, Radio New Zealand reports.
It was turned into police on Monday.
John Tully, 48, has been charged with murdering Peggy Noble and Leigh Cleveland in their Ashburton office last week, and with the attempted murder of Lindy Curtis.
The person who found the tablet says she found it in early June while walking next to a Blenheim river. It was tied to a soft drink bottle and could still be used, despite being damaged by water.
The tablet contained emails from people who wanted money from Tully, and a message from his mother, who wanted to know where he was.
The internet search history showed he had been researching outdoor survival skills, including how to make a rabbit snare.
Police have declined to comment on the discovery of the tablet.
