The father of a young Rotorua boy who died after being assaulted is now facing murder charges.
Ferro-James Tiopira Sio died in hospital on February 8 after being beaten at his home on Union Street.
His father, 24-year-old William James Sio, was originally charged with assault of a child but now faces murder.
A 28-year-old woman has been charged with ill treatment and neglect of a child.
The pair will appear in Rotorua District Court on February 27.
