Teenager to stand trial for murder of 16-year-old girl

A Turangi teenager has been committed to trial for the murder of a 16-year-old girl.

The teenager, who cannot be legally named, was yesterday committed to trial at the end of a four-day depositions hearing in the Rotorua Youth Court.

She is charged with murdering Turangi girl Melissa Moana Puhi at Turangi on May 13 this year.

When asked if she wanted to plead guilty to the charge the teenager said no.

Judge Phillip Cooper said there was a case to answer and remanded the teenager on bail to a callover in the High Court in Rotorua on October 12 when it is expected a trial date will be set.

- NZPA