Teen charged with murder over stabbing

Police at the scene where the 16-year-old was found stabbed. Photo / Herald on Sunday

Police have now charged a 15-year-old boy with murder following the death of Rotorua 16-year-old Tongarewa Thomas last week.

Tongarewa died at a house in Clinkard St on Friday night and the 15-year-old was initially arrested and charged with assault.

Police said this morning the charge had been upgraded and he would appear in Rotorua Youth Court today.

Tongarewa had been drinking with mates at a friend's house in Clinkard St before he was stabbed and a girl said she saw him and another teen arguing.

Police were returning to the house today to continue their scene examination and said they also wanted to speak to a man who was walking his dog along Old Taupo Rd just after 10pm on Friday.

"It is believed that this man spoke with two people of interest to this inquiry," said Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Loper, of Rotorua CIB.

The man was described as aged between 35 and 40 years, wearing a beanie, black hoodie and jeans. His dog was described as big, tan and had a rope lead.

- NZPA