American PhD student killing trial

The story so far

Four teenagers are on trial at the Auckland High Court over the April 2025 killing of an American PhD student at a bus stop in Meadowbank, Auckland.^{19 Oct; 4 Nov} Prosecutors claim the attack was unprovoked, involved a machete, and followed several U-turns by a vehicle carrying the group.^{19 Oct} Crown lawyers say the 33-year-old student suffered a catastrophic and fatal wound and died in hospital shortly after the attack.^{30 Oct} One teenager has already pleaded guilty to charges related to the attack, and the other four have pleaded not guilty to murder.^{30 Oct; 4 Nov}

Latest

The judge has told the jury to set aside emotions and remain impartial as the trial, which has run for three weeks, continues.^{4 Nov}

Key moments

1. 19 OctTrial begins for four teenagers accused of the April 2025 killing.
2. 19 OctProsecutors claim unprovoked machete attack followed several U-turns by a vehicle.
3. 30 OctCrown describes a catastrophic, fatal wound suffered during the attack.
4. 30 OctOne teenager pleads guilty to charges related to the attack.
5. 4 NovJudge instructs jury to remain impartial as the trial continues.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.