Forensic scene investigators at the scene of a brawl in Gisborne in which two men died. Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver
Police have laid murder charges over the deaths of Chrysler Stevens-Mark - who was celebrating his 21st birthday - and his 30-year-old cousin Kane Te Paa.
Detective Inspector David de Lange said the Operation Middlepark team had laid additional charges as part of the homicide investigation launched after a whānau birthday celebration in Gisborne on 24 March ended with two people dead.
Two men who had already been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm now faced additional charges, he said.
A 29-year-old Gisborne man has now been charged with two counts of murder relating to the deaths of Stevens-Mark and Te Paa
The same man had also been charged with two counts of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm relating to two other men at the party.
He was jointly charged with his associate, a 26-year-old Gisborne man.
The latter man had been charged with four counts of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm relating to the four men assaulted at the Lytton Road party, including the two deceased.
The men's court appearances were yet to be confirmed.
Police liaison officers continued to support the whānau of the deceased and the victims recovering from their injuries, de Lange said.
"This was a very complex investigation, and our investigation team members have worked hard to get answers for the grieving whānau and friends, and the wider community."
The team appreciated the help they had received from colleagues in other police districts, and from people who were at the birthday party and had come forward with information.
