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Name suppression for the victims of a Hamilton homicide has lapsed, while secrecy remains for their alleged attacker. Wave Kairau and Charlie Tate were allegedly murdered by a 34-year-old Waikato man in their York St, Hamilton East home on April 2. NZME understands that after the alleged attack, the defendant went home before taking himself to Waikato Hospital for treatment after suffering injuries to his hands. It was while he was at Waikato Hospital that police were alerted to the circumstances and subsequently sent to York St. The 34-year-old is now facing two charges of murder. His case was called in the High Court at Hamilton this morning before Justice Michele Wilkinson-Smith. Police forensic teams at York St on April 3. Photo / Belinda Feek The defendant did not appear and is on remand in a mental health facility. He was instead represented by his counsel, Melissa James, during the short hearing. Crown prosecutor Jacinda Hamilton said name suppression for the victims was no longer being sought by the whānau, many of whom were in court this morning. However, defence counsel Melissa James said she had filed an application for name suppression and successfully asked for it to continue until further Section 38 mental health reports can be obtained. Hamilton didn’t oppose the interim application and said insanity would be a key focus of the trial, which is set down for November next year. A reserve trial date has also been set for April 5, 2027. Justice Wilkinson-Smith lifted the victims’ suppression and remanded the case to be recalled next week. ‘This was an isolated incident’ Previously, Waikato police Detective Inspector Stephen Ambler provided reassurance for those living in the area. “Police would like to reassure the community that this was an isolated incident, and we are not looking for anyone else in relation to the matter.” Belinda Feek is an Open Justice reporter based in Waikato. She has worked at NZME for 11 years and has been a journalist for 22.
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