About 100 people were involved in a massive fight in Gisborne after two gatecrashers arrived at a 21st birthday party. Two people were killed and three others were critically injured.
Video / TVNZ / NZHerald
A 29-year-old man has been charged with two counts of murder after a 100-person brawl at a 21st birthday celebration in Gisborne in March.
Detective Inspector David de Lange said the 29-year-old Gisborne man, who has already been charged with two counts of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, has now been charged with two counts of murder.
The deaths relate to Chrysler Stevens-Mark, 21, of Gisborne and Kane Wiremu Te Paa, 30, of Wainuiomata.
Chrysler Stevens-Mark (left) and Kane Taare-Gray were killed during the mass brawl in Gisborne on March 23.
A 26-year-old associate has also already been charged with four counts of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, relating to the four men assaulted at the Lytton Rd party.
“These new charges have been laid in the Gisborne Registry and details of court appearances are to be confirmed,” de Lange said.
Police liaison officers continue to support the family of the deceased and the victims recovering from their injuries.
Police investigating the scene of a mass brawl in the Gisborne suburb of Elgin that left two men dead. Photo / Paul Rickard, Gisborne Herald
De Lange said Operation Middlepark has been a very complex investigation and police have worked hard to get answers for the grieving whānau and friends, as well as the wider Gisborne community.
“We are appreciative of the assistance we’ve received from our colleagues in other police districts as the investigation has progressed, and for assistance provided by people who were at the birthday party and who came forward with information.
“As this matter is now before the court we’re unable to provide further information, any further update will be issued proactively,” de Lange said.
Police investigating the scene of a mass brawl in Elgin, Gisborne. Photo / Paul Rickard, Gisborne Herald
One of those killed in the 21st birthday celebration that got out of hand was earlier named as Black Power member Te Paa.
A family member of Te Paa told the Herald he had recently become a father and was a “loving dad”.
“His life was taken too short. Why start these fights when at the end of the day you’re all meant to be family?”
Black Power member Kane Wiremu Te Paa was killed in the 100-person brawl in Elgin during a 21st birthday celebration.
The family member said Te Paa was a Black Power member but they didn’t wish to comment further.
Police have said that although the brawl involved gang members, it was not a conflict between rival gangs. Officers have been brought in from outside of Gisborne amid concerns of further disorder.
The other person killed, Chrysler Stevens-Mark, was celebrating his 21st birthday on March 23 when the brawl broke out.
Chrysler Stevens-Mark was celebrating his 21st birthday party when he was killed in the mass brawl.
In a Facebook post that has since been deleted, a family member said: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of our Boy, our Little Cuzzy, our Little brother ... who was tragically taken from us in what was supposed to be his special night!
