Drummond Augustine Leaf, 45, has pleaded not guilty to charges of murdering 3-year-old Catalya Remana Tangimetua-Pepene and assaulting her a month earlier.
Catalya, known to family as Remana, died at her Kaikohe home on May 21, sparking widespread grief and anger in the Northland community.
Leaf appeared via audio-visual link in the High Court at Whangārei and elected a jury trial, which is scheduled for February 2027, though it may occur sooner.
Previously granted name suppression was lifted, and he remains in custody until his next court appearance on July 18. More than 400 people marched through Kaikohe on June 2 in remembrance of the young girl.
Not too sure, but it doesn’t bode well for a child if the parents can’t find it in their heart to chose a decent name.
In the beginning was God and His word, Logos.
Meaning light, word, reason, all in one.
LEAF…what a traumatising name for a bloke.
Why is his full name given here when the person who murdered Geoff Ware in Pakotai had permanent name suppression?
Here is another one: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/hamilton-baby-homicide-man-admits-murder-of-baby-attempted-murder-of-woman-and-child/4Y66DRX4XBHALKKXDGMDTK7VDA/