Christchurch shooting murder trial

The story so far

A man went on trial at the Christchurch High Court for the murder of a visitor, who was shot in the abdomen outside a home in Aranui on 4 January 2024.^{13, 29, 31 Oct 2025} The accused admitted firing the shot but his lawyer argued he acted in self-defence, and the court heard reports of a drug sale hours before the shooting.^{13 Oct 2025} In closing arguments, prosecutors argued that the self-defence claim was illogical.^{29 Oct 2025}

Latest

The jury's guilty verdict was the latest development in the trial.^{31 Oct 2025} Police are also investigating whether the convicted man is a suspect in a cold case involving a missing Marlborough woman.^{31 Oct 2025}

Key moments

1. 13 Oct 2025Accused admits shooting; lawyer says he acted in self-defence.
2. 13 Oct 2025Court hears reports of a drug sale hours before the shooting.
3. 29 Oct 2025Closing arguments heard; prosecutors call self-defence claim illogical.
4. 31 Oct 2025Jury finds accused guilty of murder, rejecting self-defence.
5. 31 Oct 2025Police investigate whether convicted man is linked to a cold case.

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