Eric McIsaac in the dock at the Levin District Court where he was formally charged with the murder of his half-brother, 10-year-old Alex Fisher. 11 November 2015. New Zealand Herald Photograph by Mark
Eric McIsaac in the dock at the Levin District Court where he was formally charged with the murder of his half-brother, 10-year-old Alex Fisher. 11 November 2015. New Zealand Herald Photograph by Mark
Alex Fisher's older brother is charged with the 10-year-old's murder and for the first time photographs of his court appearance are allowed.
Eric Baden McIsaac, 25, appeared in the Levin District Court today and entered no plea to the homicide charge.
The court also heard "issues" had been raised about his mental health and fitness to plead.
Court documents allege the murder happened on October 5 or 6.
Wellington lawyer Letizea Ord represented McIsaac and asked for further mental health assessments before his next appearance in the High Court at Palmerston North later this month.
The court was told McIsaac didn't "engage" with those preparing reports before today's appearance.
Members of Alex's family sat in the courtroom's public gallery during the court appearance. Judge Tim Black acknowledged them but McIsaac didn't look towards them once, as he stood in the dock flanked by policemen.
McIsaac also didn't enter pleas to charges laid last month of unlawful possession of a knife in a public place on October 6, burglary of a Waitarere Beach property and a fourth charge that is suppressed.
The unlawful possession of a knife charge names Forest Rd, Waitarere Beach, as the location of the alleged offence. This is where the search for Alex was centred.
Eric McIsaac is led from the dock at the Levin District Court. Photo / Mark Mitchell
The boy's body was found on Waitarere Beach on October 8.
The burglary charge alleges McIsaac unlawfully entered a property on Park Ave between late September and early October.
McIsaac also faced a charge of driving while forbidden. That matter will be heard in Levin next month.
In a statement today, Detective Senior Sergeant Neil Forlong said the Operation Waitarere homicide investigation team had continued to make good progress, which included receiving results back from recent forensic testing.
A CCTV image released by police of Alex Fisher and his brother, Eric when Alex was reported missing. Photo / Supplied
"While today's murder charge represents a significant step as the inquiry team works towards finding answers for Alex and his family, there is still a lot of work to be done.
"The investigation team's focus is on ensuring we complete a very robust and thorough investigation to support the court process going forward," he said.
"In the meantime, Alex's family are still coming to terms with their grief, and have asked for privacy during what is still a very difficult time.
"We have continued to keep them up to date regarding the investigation, including today's updated charge, and will continue to provide them with the appropriate support," Mr Forlong said.
Alex's family also released the following statement: "We would like to acknowledge and thank the people in the Horowhenua community and around New Zealand for the heartfelt messages and support we have received."
