KEY POINTS:
A post mortem on the seven-year-old boy at the centre of a Nelson homicide investigation was completed this evening but police are refusing to release its results.
A former South Auckland man today appeared in Nelson District Court following the death of his seven-year-old stepson.
The 37-year-old man made a brief appearance in court, and did not enter a plea to a charge of assaulting the boy.
Judge David McKegg remanded the man in custody, and granted him interim name suppression, until July 15.
Detective Inspector John Winter said the post mortem was completed tonight but the results would not be released publicly.
"A decision on any other charges will be made after due consideration of the evidence.
"The scene examination has been halted for the night, and will resume tomorrow morning. It is expected to be completed by tomorrow evening," Mr Winter said.
He said inquiries with other government agencies in Nelson and South Auckland were to continue and the natural father of the boy was told of his son's death today.
No date has yet been set for the funeral.
Nelson police launched a homicide investigation after the boy died at his home in the suburb of Stoke yesterday morning.
Police said the stepfather was likely to face more serious charges following his arrest last night.
The mother remains in the care of Women's Refuge and spent today being re-interviewed by police.
The couple had no other children living with them.
- NZPA
