There were tears and heightened emotions in court on Tuesday as a teenager charged with the murder of a 16-year-old in Christchurch made his first appearance.
Zion Purukamu, 16, was killed and two others hospitalised after a stabbing at a rental property on Medbury Tce in the suburb of Fendalton on Friday night.
The charged teenager appeared in the Christchurch Youth Court on Tuesday, pleading not guilty to all allegations - one of murder and two of wounding - through his lawyer. He's elected trial by jury.
Several members of the victim's family attended the court appearance, who hurled abuse at the accused when he entered the dock. There was a large police presence at the hearing and several officers were forced to intervene.
"You're going to die in there," one said.
The mother, father and grandmother of the accused were also at the court appearance - who were visibly upset but quiet.
On Monday a police spokesperson said the investigation, named Operation Medbury, remains ongoing.
"Anyone with information that could assist our investigation or anyone who is yet to come forward is asked to contact police on 105 and reference Operation Medbury.
"As this matter is now before the courts, police will not be making any further comment."
