All four of those charged with the manslaughter of Ashburton man Arran Gairns have entered not guilty pleas in the High Court at Christchurch this morning.
A post-mortem showed Mr Gairns died from drowning after his body was found in a ditch in Ashburton in May. However, the police say he was assaulted beforehand.
Today, lawyers for Desmond Marshall, Verdun Perry, Kooly Te Tomo and Olivia Lucas indicated they would all defend the manslaughter charge.
The four also face a charge of assault with intent to rob.
Mr Marshall has pleaded guilty to this charge but his co-defendants deny it.
The case was adjourned until November.