Teen charged with murder of Tauranga man

Police have charged a 19-year-old man with the murder of Harry Faulkner, whose body was found at an address in Gate Pa, Tauranga, on Tuesday.

The accused, also from Gate Pa, was initially charged with assault over the death and appeared in Tauranga District Court yesterday on that charge before reappearing today on the upgraded charge.

He was granted interim name suppression and remanded in custody to reappear in court on January 13.

Police have been tight-lipped over the investigation and withheld releasing the name of 43-year-old Mr Faulkner until today.

Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Turner said police were grateful for the support the public had shown throughout the investigation, which was ongoing.

Mr Turner urged anyone who was in the Watling St area on Monday or Tuesday to contact police.

- NZPA