Two 17-year-old teenagers have been charged with the murder of 54-year-old, Ihaia Gillman-Harris.
Both teenagers have been remanded in custody following an appearance at Auckland District Court this morning.
Leonard Nattrass-Berquist and Beauen Wallece-Loretz have been charged with murdering Mr Gillman-Harris during an attack at a Motel in Epsom.
After the attack, Mr Gillman-Harris walked to the motel’s reception with blood coming from his head. He was then transferred to hospital where he later died as a result of a serious head injury.
Te Kāea reporter Taroi Black was in court today and says, the mother of Wallace-Loretz, Amy Wallace shouted “I love you son” at this morning’s court hearing. As well as the murder charge, both teenagers also face charges of aggravated robbery and unlawfully taking a vehicle.
The families of Beauen Wallace-Loretz and Leonard Nattrass-Berquist are staying strong.
Marcel Freboas says, “It's very tough for all of us especially knowing that they don't deserve to be in there.”
Gillman-Harris was buried last week on Friday. His sister Hirata told us, "As many welcome the New Years, our whānau farewelled our brother and uncle. As a whānau we will focus on regrouping the best way we can in order to deal with it."
Wallace-Loretz and Nattrass-Berquist will appear in the High Court on February 4.
