A 2024 trial date has been set for the man accused of killing a young father in Invercargill last month.
The 26-year-old Invercargill accused, who has interim name suppression, appeared before Justice Cameron Mander in the High Court at Invercargill via audiovisual link yesterday.
He is charged with murdering Chad Parekura and attempting to murder another man on April 23.
About 10 of Mr Parekura’s family members were present in the court, visibly distraught.
They had a photo of the Lower Hutt man, who was the father of a young boy.
Speaking to the Otago Daily Times, family members said they had flown from Wellington to be present in court, adding the days since the murder had been very hard on them.
Counsel Sonia Vidal asked Justice Mander to remand her client without plea until his next appearance on June 10.
During the hearing yesterday, Justice Mander set a date to hear Ms Vidal’s arguments in relation to an interim name suppression request.
He also set a trial date of February 12, 2024, with a back-up date of July 21, 2023.
The double stabbing, near the courthouse in Don St, happened early on April 23.
Mr Parekura was found unconscious but died at the scene.
The other victim was transported to Southland Hospital with critical injuries.
The defendant was arrested in Invercargill two days later.
