A man arrested yesterday following a fatal brawl at a 21st birthday party in Gisborne over the weekend has had his charge upgraded.
Kane Wiremu Te Paa, 30, of Wainuiomata, and Chrysler Stevens-Mark, 21, died in the altercation on Lytton St on Saturday.
The party had been a birthday celebration for Stevens-Mark.
A 25-year-old man was arrested yesterday after being discharged from Gisborne Hospital.
He was charged with assault, but it has since been upgraded to wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, Detective Inspector Dave de Lange said today.
The upgraded charge relates to injuries sustained by one of the victims who remains in Gisborne Hospital.
The 25-year-old is due to appear in the Gisborne District Court this afternoon.
He is jointly charged with a 29-year-old man who was taken into custody earlier this week.
“Further charges will be considered as the investigation into events on Lytton St, Gisborne on Saturday night progresses,” de Lange said.
Police will continue to have a “highly visible presence” in the area as part of reassurance patrols.
Work also continues to support Te Paa and Stevens-Mark’s families as they prepare for their tangi.
De Lange also continued to appeal to anyone who was present at the party on Saturday evening, or has photographs or video footage of the event.