Police said his injuries were not consistent with a crash, and they began a homicide investigation.
Te Kani previously pleaded not guilty to murder, and a reserve trial date has been set for October 11, 2027, with a firm trial date set for February 14, 2028.
Holly Tekani is charged with assisting him by hiding him from police to enable him to avoid arrest on December 14. She is further charged with assaulting a police officer on March 20.
Rawiri Te Kani pleaded not guilty to a charge of murder when he appeared in the High Court at Rotorua on February 5. Photo / Megan Wilson
Frost is charged with receiving Te Kani to enable him to avoid arrest on December 17.
Brydon is charged with transporting Te Kani and hiding him to enable him to avoid arrest between December 12 and December 18.
Te Kani, Brydon, Tekani and Frost will reappear on June 19 for a case review hearing.
Brydon, Tekani and Frost are on bail with a trial date set for November 1 next year.
Kelly Makiha is a senior journalist who has reported for the Rotorua Daily Post for more than 25 years, covering mainly police, court, human interest and social issues.