The man charged with murdering his 10-year-old brother Alex Fisher has been remanded in custody until early next year.
Eric McIsaac, 25, appeared before the High Court in Wellington via video link from Palmerston North this morning.
He is also charged with burglary, possession of a knife and a fourth charge, which is suppressed.
Alex's body was found in the sand dunes at Waitarere Beach, near Levin, last month after a three-day search.
Justice Brown told Mr Isaac it was inevitable he would be remanded in custody until February next year.