Fatal Wellsford shooting: Man denies murder

Zane Smith, from Rodney, died in November last year sparking a homicide investigation. Photo / File

A man has appeared in court and denied murdering Zane Smith.

Desmond Lawrence Bourne appeared in the High Court at Auckland, with his lawyer John Munro entering a not guilty plea on his behalf.

Days after the homicide investigation began Bourne was found by police unresponsive at a central Auckland address.

After receiving medical treatment he was charged with murder.

Serene Tilsley also stood in the High Court dock, accused of being an accessory after the fact to murder.

The 21-year-old also entered a not guilty plea today before Justice Sally Fitzgerald.

The High Court judge set a three-week trial fixture for the case, starting on February 8 next year.

Bourne was remanded in custody, while Tilsley remains on bail with the existing conditions.

Smith, 37, of Rodney, was found dead on Wayby Station Rd in Wellsford on November 28 last year.

Emergency services were called about 7.45pm with reports a person in a vehicle had suffered a gunshot wound.

Police have previously said he was fatally shot.

Not guilty pleas were entered today in the High Court at Auckland. Photo / File