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A Nelson man today admitted murdering his seven-year-old stepson.
Johnny Pukerua Ioakimo Joachim, 37, appeared in Nelson District Court this afternoon and pleaded guilty to murdering Duwayne Toetu Taote Pailegutu at their Stoke home between June 24 and July 2.
The Nelson Mail reported that police launched a homicide inquiry on July 2, after emergency services were called to the family's home and found the boy unresponsive and unable to be revived.
Joachim appeared in court on July 3 on an assault charge, although this was later withdrawn and upgraded to a murder charge.
Duwayne's mother Mary Joachim, 28, has been charged with failing to provide him with the necessities of life.
She has not entered a plea to the charge and her case is due to be called again on Friday.
- NZPA
