Man accused of murdering 6-month-old baby in Foxton pleads not guilty

The 25-year-old man accused of murdering a baby in Foxton in June this year has pleaded not guilty. Photo / Jeremy Wilkinson

A man accused of murdering a 6-month-old baby has pleaded not guilty to the charge this morning.

The 25-year-old has interim name suppression, while the coroner has ordered name suppression for the baby and all potential witnesses.

An earlier police statement said emergency services were called to a property in Foxton Beach on June 29 after a 6-month-old baby was found with critical injuries.

NZME understands the baby allegedly suffered a significant physical injury that resulted in brain trauma.

Emergency services attended the scene and CPR was performed.

The baby was transferred to Starship children’s hospital in Auckland but died after being taken off life support.

The defendant was remanded in custody and is due to go on trial in February 2027.

In a previously released statement, police said they were supporting the baby’s family through this “incredibly distressing time”.

An inquest into the baby’s death has been adjourned until the criminal court case is complete.

Jeremy Wilkinson is an Open Justice reporter based in Manawatū, covering courts and justice issues with an interest in tribunals. He has been a journalist for nearly a decade and has worked for NZME since 2022.