Youth charged with murder

One of two young men arrested after the death of Wairoa man Barlow James Cooper in Wairoa on Friday night has now been charged with his murder.

The 16-year-old was originally charged with assault.

Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Scott said the youth appeared in Gisborne Youth Court yesterday on the new charge and was remanded in custody. Because of his age he is appearing on a daily basis.

The other person charged jointly with assault, a 20-year-old, is due to appear in court again on May 10.

Because of the joint charge he is also appearing in Youth Court.

Mr Scott said more serious charges were likely to be laid against him at his next appearance.

- NZPA