Stepson murder accused further remanded

A Nelson man accused of murdering his seven-year-old stepson has been further remanded after appearing in Nelson District Court this week.

Johnny Pukerua Ioakimo Joachim, 37, of suburban Stoke, is charged with murdering Duwayne Toetu Taote Pailegutu between June 24 and July 2.

Joachim has yet to enter a plea, and is in custody at Christchurch's Hillmorton Hospital for a mental health assessment.

On Tuesday Judge Tony Zohrab further remanded Joachim in custody until August 15.

Duwayne's mother Mary Joachim, 28, is due to reappear in the same court on August 15 on a charge of failing to provide the necessities of life between June 24 and July 2.

- NZPA