Rodney Stewart Smith named in Christchurch double murder case

Rodney Stewart Smith, a 58-year-old forklift operator, appeared in Christchurch District Court on Monday facing two murder charges. He is also accused of attempting to murder James Alan Dell, wounding Shantay Marie McQuade with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, intentionally damaging the tyres of a car, and failing to assist a detective. Smith appeared via audiovisual link from prison and entered no pleas.

The charges follow an incident at a social housing complex on Olliviers Road in Phillipstown around 12.50am on Saturday. Police found Glen Allan ‘Lizard’ Tukaki and Nigel John ‘Rooster’ Robinson dead at the scene. Two other people were also seriously injured during the incident.

Defence lawyer Andrew McKenzie stated that while Smith is the man named on the charge sheet, his client prefers to go by the name Fallowfield. Smith did not apply for interim name suppression or bail, and did not oppose media applications to use his photograph. Judge Tony Zohrab remanded Smith in custody to reappear in the High Court on 29 October.

Detective Inspector Greg Murton stated that those involved in the incident were known to each other and that police believe the event was isolated. While Tukaki was a former president of the Devils Henchmen Motorcycle Club, Murton described the gang connection as “very historical” and not a factor in the investigation.

Where reports differ

• The defendant's surname is reported as Smith, though his lawyer stated he prefers the name Fallowfield

Compiled from reports by The Press, 1News, NZ Herald, Stuff and Otago Daily Times.