One of Opotiki murder accused named

One of the teenagers accused of murdering retired Opotiki teacher John Rowe can now be identified.

She is 17-year-old Courtney Churchwood of Opotiki.

Both she and another teenage girl, who still has name suppression, were arraigned in the High Court in Rotorua today, pleading not guilty to the murder.

A trial date was also set starting. It will start November 16 and is expected to take ten days.

Churchwood was remanded in custody, while the other teenager was remanded in the care of Child Youth and Family.

- NEWSTALK ZB