11 Apr 2023

Man's assault charge upgraded to murder after victim dies in hospital

2:19 pm on 11 April 2023
Christchurch Court building

The 31-year-old man appeared in Christchurch District Court on Tuesday. Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon

A Christchurch man charged with assault has had the charge upgraded to murder.

An Indian national was attacked on Linwood Avenue in Christchurch on Friday, and died of his injuries in hospital on Sunday.

A 31-year-old man was initially charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

But the charge was changed to murder when he appeared in the Christchurch District Court this morning.

The accused has been remanded in custody and is due to reappear in court at the end of April.

The High Commission of India said officials have been in touch with the victim's family in Christchurch.