Levin man Eric McIsaac has pleaded guilty to killing his 10-year-old half-brother Alex Fisher.
McIsaac, 26, appeared briefly in the High Court at Palmerston North on Thursday morning as his family sat in the public gallery.
Justice Joe Williams commended the family for attending court in such difficult circumstances.
"I salute your courage," he said.
They broke down in tears as McIsaac pleaded guilty.
Alex's body was found wrapped in a blanket on Waitarere Beach on October 8, after a three-day search. At the height of the search, around 130 people -- including the Defence Force and search and rescue teams -- were involved in looking for him in the south block of the Waitarere Forest.
Alex's death rocked the small community as the family had a long association with the area.
McIsaac was charged with his murder in November last year. Court documents show McIsaac killed him on either October 5th or October 6th.
He also pleaded guilty to possession of a knife in a public place on October 6 and the burglary of a Waitarere Beach property.
McIsaac was convicted and given a first strike warning by the the judge. He was remanded in custody and will be sentenced on July 8.
Police have acknowledged the guilty plea and asked that the family's privacy is respected as they continue to grieve for the loss of Alex.
A framed photo of Alex Fisher at a gathering last year (Newshub.)
Newshub.
