Please attribute to Detective Inspector David de Lange:
The Operation Middlepark investigations team have laid additional charges as part of the homicide investigation that was launched after a whānau birthday celebration in Gisborne on 24 March 2024 ended with two people dead.
Two men who have already been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm now face additional charges.
A 29-year-old Gisborne man has now been charged with two counts of murder relating to the deaths of Chrysler Stevens-Mark who was celebrating his 21st birthday and his 30-year-old cousin Kane Te Paa.
The 29-year-old man has also been charged with two counts of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm relating to two other men at the party. He is jointly charged with his associate, a 26-year-old Gisborne man.
The 26-year-old Gisborne man has 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.
These new charges have been laid in the Gisborne Registry and details of court appearances are to be confirmed.
Police liaison officers continue to support the whānau of the deceased and the victims recovering from their injuries. 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.
We are appreciative of the assistance we’ve received from our colleagues in other Police Districts as the investigation has progressed, and for assistance provided by people who were at the birthday party and who came forward with information.
As this matter is now before the court we’re unable to provide further information, any further update will be issued proactively.
ENDS