Crown challenges self-defence argument in Christchurch murder trial

Wednesday 29 October 2025 · 3 outlets · 3 reports · updated Wed 29 Oct 2025, 7:59pm

In this story High Court

Prosecutors have argued that James Arthur Holder's claim of self-defence is illogical during his murder trial in Christchurch. Holder is accused of fatally shooting David Bridgewater in the abdomen in Aranui in January 2024. Closing arguments have now been heard in the High Court.

How they headlined it

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1. The PressWed 29 Oct 2025, 3:06pm

   Murderer or protector? ‘Self-defence’ not plausible in Christchurch killing, Crown says (opens in new tab)

2. RNZWed 29 Oct 2025, 7:40pm

   Crown labels murder accused's self-defence argument as untrue, illogical (opens in new tab)

3. Otago Daily TimesWed 29 Oct 2025, 7:59pm

   Murder-accused's self-defence argument challenged by Crown (opens in new tab)