Two teenagers, aged 17 and 14, have appeared in court to face murder charges of Joshuah Tasi, 28, who was stabbed to death on Friday, March 3 in a road rage incident. Video / Hayden Woodward
Two teenagers have appeared in court to face murder charges over the death of a Beach Haven man on Friday.
The first defendant, aged 14, appeared via audio-visual link from a youth residence.
The second defendant, aged 17, appeared in person.
Their names and identifying details are suppressed under theOranga Tamariki Act 1985 as the case was called at the North Shore Youth Court just after 11am.
There were tense scenes outside the courtroom as a group of about 30 of the boys’ friends and family were told only close family members could attend the closed court hearing.
Court security officers blocked the supporters from entering the courtroom, leading to a shouting match between some family members and the officers. A lawyer stood on a chair and called for everyone to remain calm.
Judge Kirsten Lummis said the boys’ names and particulars are suppressed, but noted the significant public interest and media reporting of the case over the weekend.
The boys are remanded in custody until their next hearing at the High Court later this month.
“We have to acknowledge them as well and uplift them in our prayers. What they did is wrong, but they can change into something good. That was a prayer for forgiveness.”
