The two women charged in connection with the death of 8-year-old Rickah’Shae Keefe-Haerewa have been named as 25-year-old Maya Hati and 61-year-old Pauline Timu.
Hati faces a murder charge, upgraded from an earlier charge of assaulting a child, while Timu is charged with manslaughter.
Both women remain in custody, with Hati’s lawyer indicating no immediate bail application, and Timu, initially without legal representation, making no application either.
Timu’s interim name suppression expired on December 17, with no application to extend it.
Family members and supporters attended the High Court hearing, where emotions ran high; Hati’s family expressed their support, while a member of Rickah’Shae’s family accused her of causing his death.
The boy’s family wore “Forever 8” hoodies and remembrance T-shirts, mourning his loss alongside his urn during earlier court proceedings.
Police were alerted on November 15 after Rickah’Shae’s death at Whakatāne Hospital, following an alleged assault.
Both women are set to return to court in February to potentially enter pleas.
