Name suppression has lapsed for the teenager accused of murdering Bay of Plenty artist Harry Faulkner on December 22.
Daniel Wikeepa, 19, appeared in Tauranga District Court yesterday charged with murder and common assault.
Mr Faulkner, 43, was found dead on the doorstep of his Gate Pa house.
Police prosecutor David Pawson sought leave to withdraw the assault charge -- which was a holding charge -- and said police were neutral on the issue of name suppression continuing for the defendant.
Wikeepa's lawyer Craig Tuck told JudgeThomas Ingram there was no basis for seeking ongoing name suppression.
Judge Ingram withdrew the assault charge, lifted the suppression order and remanded Wikeepa in custody until February 10.
A large contingent of Mr Faulkner's family packed the public gallery supported by head of the police investigation, Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Turner.
Also attending court was a smaller group of Wikeepa's family and supporters.
As he left the court Wikeepa, who had stood silently in the dock during the brief hearing, waved goodbye. One young woman yelled out to him "Love you cuz".
Mr Turner said he would not make any comment on the case now it was before the court, including what caused Mr Faulkner's death.
NZPA