Forensic evidence relating to two rifles allegedly fired during a confrontation between family members is underway in the High Court at Rotorua.
Three men are on trial for the attempted murder of Alec Tuhoro at Hauparu Bay, Rotoiti, east of Rotorua, on September 27, 2008.
Appearing before Justice Geoffrey Venning and a jury of six men and six women are Daniel Pirrit (27), Shane Epapara (23) and Michael Mihaka (22). All are from Rotorua.
When the trial began last week each pleaded not guilty to the attempted murder charge and an alternative charge of discharging a firearm with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. It is the Crown's contention they were parties to the offending.
Before the trail Hareopa (Harry) Katene (47) and Eria Katene (23) pleaded guilty to the firearms charge. The attempted murder charge they initially faced was dropped by the Crown.
The charges relate to an armed confrontation following the exchange of a string of threatening and abusive texts and phone calls between Katene senior and Mr Tuhoro's son Shannon. Katene is Shannon Tuhoro's uncle.
The court has heard a series of shots were fired at Alec Tuhoro who said in evidence he became involved in the confrontation to protect his family.
Detectives who interviewed the accused are expected to start giving evidence later today.
