David Bain seemed zombie-like, emotionless - "probably in deep shock" - during discussions about funeral arrangements for his family, a retired Dunedin funeral director said yesterday.
Derek Hope, now of Wanaka, told the High Court Bain was not present for the first couple of hours of his initial meeting with Margaret Bain's sisters and other family members on Tuesday afternoon, June 21, 1994.
Margaret, her husband, two daughters and younger son had died the previous day.
Her surviving son, David, was staying with his aunt and uncle, Jan and Bob Clark.
He was being interviewed by police when Mr Hope arrived about 3pm on the Tuesday.
His memory of David after he came into the room was that he sat very quietly and acquiesced to many of the suggestions made about the arrangements, Mr Hope said.
"I doubt he even knew I was there."
When Mr Hope returned to the Clarks' two days later, Bain was present but sat looking out the window.
He did not look at Mr Hope, or speak to him.
"I'd say he was in deeper shock. He was still zombie-like," the witness said.
In 1994, he would have been a funeral director for about 30 years.
In his experience, David Bain's reaction appeared normal for a person grieving and in deep shock, Mr Hope told defence counsel Michael Reed QC.
