A man has been charged with two counts of murder after two people were found dead in Hamilton, police say.
The 34-year-old man will appear in the Hamilton District Court tomorrow.
A man alleged to have killed a Hamilton couple is understood to have gone home before taking himself to the hospital for treatment after suffering injuries in the attack.
NZME understands that it was while he was at Waikato Hospital that police were alerted to the circumstances and subsequentlysent to an address in Hamilton East on the afternoon of April 2.
The 34-year-old is now facing two charges of murder and his case was called in the High Court at Hamilton this morning.
However, the defendant, who has been remanded in Waikato DHB’s Henry Bennett Centre since his arrest, didn’t appear. He was instead represented by his counsel, Melissa James, during the short hearing.
Whānau of the victims were also in court to watch proceedings.
Justice Kiri Tahana discussed suppression and trial length with James and Crown prosecutor Jacinda Hamilton.
Police forensic teams at a property in Hamilton East earlier this month after two people were found dead. Photo / Belinda Feek
When asked how long a time would be needed for a trial, Hamilton said two weeks should be adequate, as, given the circumstances of the case, it would largely be dictated by expert evidence.
Justice Tahana set the trial for November 8, 2027, along with a reserve trial date of next April 5.
Hamilton also requested a further extension of name suppression for the victims to allow time to consider lengthening the order.
As health assessors need further time to complete a mental health report, Justice Tahana adjourned the case for two weeks, when suppression and the defendant’s mental health status would again be discussed.
‘This was an isolated incident’
Previously, Waikato police Detective Inspector Stephen Ambler provided reassurance for those living in the area.
“Police would like to reassure the community that this was an isolated incident, and we are not looking for anyone else in relation to the matter.”
Belinda Feek is an Open Justice reporter based in Waikato. She has worked at NZME for 11 years and has been a journalist for 22.
