Pair deny charges over Otara stabbing

The scene on Fisher Crescent, Otara, where Chevy Midas Davis was killed. Photo / Herald file

A man charged with a double stabbing at a South Auckland birthday party and the woman who allegedly tried to help him avoid arrest have denied the offending.

Robert Timothy Rapana, 36, is accused of the murder of Chevy Midas Davis, 24, and wounding his cousin Rio Davis with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

Both men were attending a 21st party for one of their relatives.

Rapana appeared alongside 36-year-old Mary Tiri Togiaono who is charged with acting as an accessory after the fact.

The pair were granted bail by the High Court but the location of Rapana's bail address was suppressed.

Detective Inspector Dave Lynch said it appeared an argument over music had sparked the confrontation.

Emergency services were called to the Otara property just before 1am on December 21.

On arrival, police officers found Mr Davis dead on the driveway at the front of the property.

St John said an ambulance was sent to Fisher Crescent at 12.53am following reports an assault happened at the address, leading to a possible stabbing.

By the time paramedics arrived, it was believed Mr Davis was in cardiac arrest.

The same street was the scene of another family tragedy around Christmas 2006.

Then, a mother of five was found dead in her home after suffering serious injuries in a domestic incident.

Rapana and Togiaono will be back in court in April and a trial date was set for November.