Two Sri Lankans charged with murdering Oxford dairy farmer and fellow countryman Sameera Chandrasena have been remanded in custody for a further three months.
Viraj Alahakoon, 33, and Thuvan Prawesh Sawal, 23, are jointly charged with the murder of the 28-year-old Mr Chandrasena on February23.
Both men made short appearances at Christchurch District Court today.
Police prosecutor Chris Lange asked for the further period of remand to allow the police forensic service to complete reports.
Judge Jane Farish granted the adjournment, and Alahakoon, a Christchurch jeweller, and Sawal, were both remanded in custody without plea until June 5. No applications for bail were made.
Both men are also charged with arson, after the body of cricket-loving Mr Chandrasena was found inside the fire-ravaged house on the outskirts of Oxford last month.
A post-mortem examination found he had died as a result of assault injuries before the fire started.
