A 26-year-old man charged following yesterday's fatal shooting of a two-year-old girl in Mangere will be allowed to attend her funeral despite being remanded in custody.
The man, whose relationship to the girl remains suppressed, has been charged with unlawful possession of a firearm.
About 35 family members turned out at court today, some in traditional Tongan dress, singing a moving tribute as they waited for the accused to appear.
Support for the accused was strong, with many of the family members calling 'stay strong, bro' and 'I love you'. The accused was hunched over as he stood in the dock, and sobbed throughout much of the appearance.
Police have been at the Mangere property today where the girl was killed, allegedly with a sawn-off shotgun.
Officers stress it is still early in the investigation, and no further charges have been laid yet.
One family member at court described the two-year-old's death as a "terrible accident".
The accused will appear in court again on June 24.
Newshub.
