Masterton link to Alex Fisher death

BROTHERS: Eric McIsaac (left) and brother Alex Fisher. PHOTO/FACEBOOK

The Masterton family of a man facing charges related to the disappearance of Alex Fisher have closed ranks.

Eric McIsaac, 25, the older brother of Alex, appeared yesterday in the Levin District Court, where name suppression was lifted.

The body of the 10-year-old was discovered by searchers at Waitarere Beach a week ago and police yesterday said a homicide investigation - Operation Waitarere - was continuing.

McIsaac entered no pleas to a charge laid last week of unlawful possession of a knife in a public place on October 6, or two other charges laid yesterday.

The second charge is one of burglary of a Park Ave property in Waitarere Beach. Details of the third charge are suppressed.

Members of McIsaac's family declined to comment when approached by the Wairarapa Times-Age last week.

McIsaac was silent throughout the hearing, simply shaking his head when Judge Ross asked him if he wanted to speak. He occasionally looked over at his relatives, some of whom looked back. McIsaac's name was suppressed at his first appearance last week, but that order lapsed yesterday.

Judge Gregory Ross also ordered a mental health assessment report on McIsaac.

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. If convicted of the charge, McIsaac faces up to three years' jail. The burglary charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years' prison.

He is also due to face, next week, a charge of driving while forbidden on September 8.

McIsaac did not apply for bail and will stay in custody until next month. Five members of Alex's family watched proceedings from one side of the court's public gallery. There was also a heavy police and court security presence in the courthouse.

Alex's body was found at Waitarere Beach on Thursday and police yesterday said a homicide investigation was continuing.

"On Sunday we announced that we were looking at a burglary which took place at a property in Waitarere. We are working to establish any links between that burglary and the death of Alex Fisher," said Detective Senior Sergeant Neil Forlong. "The investigation team remains very focused on the inquiry and we continue to assess a range of information and forensic evidence."

Police have since appealed for sightings of Alex and McIsaac, either together or by themselves, on Sunday and Monday last week.