Oamaru murder accused appears in court

A 16-year-old youth, charged with murder following a fatal stabbing in Oamaru, has been remanded to appear in the Palmerston North Youth Court next Friday.

William Peter Lewis (16) was stabbed in Exe St, near the intersection with Thames St, on Thursday night.

The youth who has been charged with his murder, appeared before justice of the peace Anne Hore in the Oamaru Youth Court this afternoon.

He was remanded, without plea, in custody by consent to a youth justice residential centre. Any information that would identify him was suppressed by Mrs Hore.

William's family has requested privacy at this time but released a photograph of him to the media this afternoon.