Two men accused of murdering a Rebels Motorcycle Club gang member found dead near a Canterbury river have appeared in court this morning and been remanded in custody.
Christchurch father-of-one Brad Lomax's body was found on the banks of the Waimakariri River near Harrs Rd about 10pm on September 4.
The day before, the heavily tattooed 24-year-old's Facebook page posted the message: "Peace out people. The Brad shows [sic] over."
Two Canterbury men, aged 30 and 35, were arrested on Monday and charged with murdering Mr Lomax at Kaiapoi on September 4.
They appeared in the Christchurch District Court this morning.
Kasha William Gosset (35), a landscape gardener from Oxford, was jeered at and threatened by members of the public gallery.
Judge Raoul Neave remanded Gosset in custody without plea to appear at the High Court in Christchurch on September 29.
Police and security staff removed people from the public gallery after altercations in court.
Defence counsel Josh Lucas earlier appeared for the 30-year-old man from Christchurch, and sought interim name suppression, as the man had not yet had the chance to tell his family. Police did not oppose the application.
Judge Neave remanded him in custody without plea to appear at the High Court in Christchurch on September 29 and granted interim name suppression.
A woman in the public gallery said "May Brad have justice on your soul" as he was led back into custody.
Judge Neave ordered the public gallery to be quiet.
Detective Inspector Greg Murton yesterday said police were not looking for anyone else in connection with the murder.
Inquiries were continuing and properties in Rangiora and Oxford in North Canterbury were guarded overnight. Scene examinations would continue at them today.
Police have appealed for any information about Mr Lomax's death. Information could be passed to Christchurch Police on (03) 363-7400 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
