Two 19-year-olds have been charged with the murder of a young child in Southland.
The child was taken to hospital in a critical condition after emergency services were called to a property in Otautau on Sunday, but died at Auckland's Starship Children's Hospital on Wednesday.
Police launched a homicide investigation the same day.
The pair first appeared at the Invercargill District Court on Monday charged with grievous bodily harm, but appeared again Friday on new charges of murder before Judge Mark Williams.
The pair were denied bail and the matter was moved to the high court, where they were scheduled to appear next month.
They have interim name suppression.
Court documents said the injuries were caused between 28 August and 20 September.
On Monday Crown prosecutor Mary-Jane Thomas told the court the child was not likely to recover and opposed the pair's bail. They were also granted interim name suppression.
Detective Inspector Stu Harvey previously said police would continue to support the child's wider family during the court process.
"We know this tragic incident will no doubt be felt widely in the Otautau community, and police will be providing reassurance over the coming days," he said.
- RNZ
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