Co-conspirator testifies in Ellerslie double-murder trial

Shu Man Poon testified in the Auckland High Court that Lok Fung Lorrence Li pressured him into a murder conspiracy. Poon, who has pleaded guilty to the 2023 murders of Fuk-Fu Joseph Kwok and Mei Han Chong, told the court that Li threatened to destroy his family. Poon also stated he owed Li a debt of $7,000.

The witness told prosecutors that he met Li through the Amazing Grace Christian Church in May 2023. Poon said he initially viewed his relationship with Li as an opportunity to act as an older brother and fulfill a promise to look after him.

Poon testified that Li harboured a fierce hatred for his landlord and planned to rob and murder her family. The witness claimed the plan involved using a GPS tracker and making the victims suffer to obtain credit card codes.

The court heard that the pair purchased items including night vision goggles, a tomahawk, a baton, and military boots. Poon told the court he had expressed concerns about the legality of their actions, but Li insisted no one would find out.

Compiled from reports by 1News and NZ Herald.