Murder accused make court appearance
Two men and a teen charged with murdering a young father are in custody, their identities temporarily suppressed.
Police arrested the trio, aged 26, 25, and 16, last week in relation to the death of 23-year-old Taranaki man Rei Marshall, a father of two.
The accused, who police confirmed have gang connections, each faced a murder charge when they briefly appeared in New Plymouth District Court and Youth Court last week.
Marshall was taken to Taranaki Base Hospital on the evening of
August 3 with serious injuries. Despite receiving medical treatment, he died.
Soon after, a homicide investigation was launched and a house on South Rd in Blagdon and the vehicle used to transport Marshall to hospital became a focus for police.
In court, the accused made brief and separate appearances via audiovisual link.
All three defence counsel requested name suppression for their clients.
Judge Gregory Hikaka granted the applications, which were not opposed by police.
The two men did not enter pleas and were remanded into custody by consent. They will appear in the High
Court at New Plymouth on August 26.
The youth, who entered no plea, will remain with police in the interim.
Police are now appealing to the public for sightings and any information regarding two vehicles — a grey or silver 2005 Mazda Axela hatchback with a damaged front driver’s side headlight sighted in the Blagdon area of New Plymouth from August 2 until about 5.30pm on August 3, and a Japanese hatchback, possibly blue in colour and a 2010 model, seen in the vicinity of 100 South Rd on August 3 about 6pm.
Police have asked anyone with information about either vehicle to call its dedicated phone line on 0800 287 453.