There were emotional scenes as the man accused of murdering Upper Hutt woman Lois Tolley appeared in court, almost three years after her death.
Family members and friends of Tolley were visibly emotional as the defendant stood in court, and swore at him as he stood down.
- Lois Tolley killing suspects narrowed down to 12
- Tributes pour for Upper Hutt homicide victim Lois Tolley
- Upper Hutt woman Lois Tolley 'executed' - police
Outside the court following the hearing, aunty Yvonne Tolley said it's been hard for the family.
"Hopefully this will help us for the rest of our journey," she told Newshub. "Because it's been a very, very long time, and none of us have got closure."
The defendant, a 27-year-old man, was granted interim name suppression in the Hutt Valley District Court on Wednesday.
Lois Tolley, 30, was viciously stabbed and shot at close range just before midnight on Friday, December 9, 2016. Police described it as an "execution-style" killing.
The defendant was remanded in custody and will appear in the High Court next month.
A police investigation into Tolley's death is continuing.
Newshub.
