Alex Fisher murder charge laid

Eric McIsaac in the dock at Levin District Court yesterday. PHOTO/MARK MITCHELL

A Masterton man has been charged with the murder of his 10-year-old brother.

Alex Fisher's older brother Eric Baden McIsaac, 25, appeared in the Levin District Court yesterday before judge Tim Black and entered no plea to the homicide charge.

The court heard "issues" had been raised about McIsaac's mental health and fitness to plead.

Court documents allege the murder happened on October 5 or 6.

Wellington lawyer Letizia Ord represented McIsaac and asked for further mental health assessments before his next appearance in the High Court at Palmerston North later this month.

The court was told McIsaac didn't "engage" with those preparing reports before yesterday's appearance.

Members of Alex Fisher's family sat in the courtroom's public gallery during McIsaac's appearance.

Judge Black acknowledged them but McIsaac didn't look towards them once, as he stood in the dock flanked by policemen.

McIsaac also didn't enter pleas to charges laid last month of unlawful possession of a knife in a public place on October 6, burglary of a Waitarere Beach property and a fourth charge that is suppressed.

The unlawful possession of a knife charge names Forest Rd, Waitarere Beach, as the location of the alleged offence. This is where the search for Alex Fisher was centred.

The boy's body was found on Waitarere Beach on October 8.

The burglary charge alleges McIsaac unlawfully entered a property on Park Ave between late September and early October.

McIsaac also faced a charge of driving while forbidden. That matter will be heard in Levin next month.

In a statement today, Detective Senior Sergeant Neil Forlong said the Operation Waitarere homicide investigation team had continued to make good progress, which included receiving results back from recent forensic testing.

"While today's murder charge represents a significant step as the inquiry team works towards finding answers for Alex and his family, there is still a lot of work to be done.

"The investigation team's focus is on ensuring we complete a very robust and thorough investigation to support the court process going forward," he said.

"In the meantime, Alex's family are still coming to terms with their grief, and have asked for privacy during what is still a very difficult time.

"We have continued to keep them up to date regarding the investigation, including today's updated charge, and will continue to provide them with the appropriate support," Mr Forlong said.

Alex Fisher's family released the following statement: "We would like to acknowledge and thank the people in the Horowhenua community and around New Zealand for the heartfelt messages and support we have received."