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A man facing drug and firearms charges resulting from the inquiry into the death of a 3-year-old Auckland boy is a suspect in what is now being treated as a homicide.
He will appear in the Manukau District Court today to apply for bail.
Dylan Hohepa Tonga Rimoni died in Auckland's Starship hospital on Friday from what police have called "unexplained" and "suspicious" head injuries.
The man, 38, and a woman, 36, both unemployed, appeared in the Papakura District Court yesterday before two justices of the peace.
They are jointly charged with possessing equipment for the manufacture of methamphetamine and unlawful possession of a rifle.
Police are not saying if further charges are likely.
However, the Herald understands that officers from the clandestine laboratory team have been among those who have been scouring the South Auckland property for evidence since last week.
JP Tony Charman granted the pair interim name suppression and prohibited media from revealing any details that could identify them.
There was a discussion between the duty solicitor, Kershie Khambatta, and Mr Charman over the man's status in the investigation into Dylan's death during the suppression application.
"It says here that it will turn into a homicide inquiry," Mr Khambatta told Mr Charman. "I have a feeling, sir, that these are holding charges."
Police prosecutor Simone Mills told the court that a document from police opposing the man's bail stated that "the defendant is a suspect in a homicide inquiry involving the death of a 3-year-old child". She added: "These charges have come from a scene examination of that homicide but he has not been charged in relation to that homicide today. Inquiries are still ongoing."
The man, who initially refused to appear in the dock, was remanded in custody, where he had been held since his arrest late on Saturday night.
Police stepped up security and surrounded the dock after a small commotion when the man yelled to someone in a room behind the court as he was led in.
The woman was granted bail on strict conditions, which included not associating with the man, not drinking alcohol or taking drugs, and a curfew from 7pm until 7am.
She said nothing as she walked from the court, her hand hiding her face as she was escorted by about five supporters to a waiting vehicle.
