Black Power member Kane Taare Gray has been named as one of those who died.
Video / NZHerald
A young man who was meant to be celebrating his 21st birthday has been identified as one of the victims in the 100 person brawl in Gisborne that ended with two men dead and three taken to hospital with critical stab wounds.
Friends and family members of Chrysler Stevens-Mark have paid tribute online to the 21-year-old who was killed in the gathering that got out of hand on Lytton Rd on Saturday night.
In a Facebook post, a family member said: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of our Boy, our Little Cuzzy, our Little brother... who was tragically taken from us in what was supposed to be his special night!”
“My aunty, my uncs and our little cousins we love yous so much, we will be here every step!
“To our Stevens whaanau we are thinking of you all at this dark time so many things to say but no words at the same time.”
“We are also aware there are videos and photos of the incident,” de Lange said.
A scene examination is expected to be completed today.
Gisborne brawl victim Kane Wiremu Te Paa. About 100 people were involved in a massive fight in Elgin at a 21st birthday party. Two people were killed and three others were critically injured.
Chrysler Stevens-Mark of Gisborne has been identified as one of two people killed during a mass brawl in Gisborne.
A 29-year-old man appeared in the Gisborne District Court today, where he has been remanded in custody. The hearing for the 29-year-old in custody is set to be held in April.
De Lange confirmed the man arrested was an uninvited guest at the part, with gang connections. The inspector said there is a likelihood of other people being charged, but the investigation is only in its early stages.
There would be a very high visibility of police in the community into Easter weekend, de Lange said.
Inspector Darren Paki said police are confident that the community is safe.
The second victim has been named as Kane Wiremu Te Paa by police. He has been referred to as Kane Taare Gray on social media by family.
In a Facebook post shared online, a family member said “on behalf of the Gray an Taare whānau we would like to inform our whānau of the tragic passing of our son, brother, uncle, nephew, grandson an loving father Kane Taare Gray”.
Police forensics are still on the scene at Lytton Rd and cordons remain in place as investigations continue.
A resident who lived near the address of the party, who spoke to NZME on the condition of anonymity, said she heard screaming about 11.30pm and stepped outside to see what was going on.
“I just heard all the screaming. Women screaming. I came out and saw everybody on the road and they were just all in one pack. It was hard to identify who was who in the dark.”
Police investigating the scene of a mass brawl that left two dead. Photo / Paul Rickard
Inspector Darren Paki and Detective Inspector Dave de Lange speak to the media at the Gisborne Police station. Photo / via TVNZ1
She wasn’t sure about the number of people involved but said it was a lot.
Gisborne councillor Colin Alder told Newstalk ZB’s Mike Hosking Breakfast he has it on reasonably good authority gangs are involved, but “they are not at war, as such”.
“It was an unfortunate event at a party where alcohol and possible drugs were involved... who takes a knife to a party?”
A large fight had broken out on to the street and additional staff as well as the Armed Offenders Squad were called in for back-up.
“We understand the fight had broken out after two uninvited guests [who] arrived at a whānau gathering,” Paki said.
Two victims were located upon police arrival and police staff attempted to provide emergency medical assistance, but both men were later confirmed deceased, Paki said.
Three others are currently in hospital with injuries believed to be caused by a stabbing.
“Police from around the district and surrounding areas have been called to boost our staffing numbers for reassurance,” Paki said.
