12.30pm
Two men arrested after the slaying of south Auckland teenage drug dealer Michael Heremaia today made their first brief appearance in court.
James Leuluaialii and Benjamin Tumahai are jointly charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm to Michael George Brown Afeaki.
Mr Afeaki was in the same house on Sunday as Michael Heremaia, 15, when they were attacked and Mr Heremaia was stabbed and slashed to death.
Mr Afeaki escaped with a stab wound to his chest and a wound to his arm.
In Manukau District Court today, Tumahai and Leuluaialii were remanded in custody to appear again on November 25 with a third person who was facing a similar charge.
Before the court appearance today police said it was too soon to say what other charges would be laid in relation to the death of Michael Heremaia.
Michael Heremaia will be buried today.
Police said Michael sold cannabis from the Mangere tinny house for the King Cobra gang but had no motive for the attack.
Yesterday, at an emotional media conference, Michael's mother Sharon Heremaia warned parents and families to do whatever was needed to keep their children away from gangs and away from drugs.
She said her son's death should be a warning to all parents and families of the tragedy of drugs.
"It's a sign out there for all mothers and all families, if you go down this road this is what is going to happen.
"This has got to stop.
"If my son's life is going to mean anything it has got to stop now."
The family also said there would never be any forgiveness for the killers.
Elayna Heremaia-Asiata, Michael's sister, said she would never forgive the killers who stabbed and slashed Michael, a kind and loving boy who took the wrong path.
"All Michael wanted was to be loved and for his family to love him.
- NZPA
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