Jurors in the trial of the drug dealer who shot his former flatmate with a high-powered air rifle have retired to consider their verdict.
Glenn Michael McDonald has pleaded not guilty in the High Court at Auckland to murdering Keith Kahi who was found lying in a Botany Downs' driveway in July last year.
The 44-year-old was shot seven times and died from internal bleeding after two of the pellets punctured his lungs and liver.
The Crown says McDonald shot Mr Kahi in anger after the pair argued over a woman McDonald was keen on.
However, lawyers for McDonald say he was scared, had been shoved and threatened by Mr Kahi, and fired the gun in self defence.
Justice Rebecca Ellis told the jury that a number of things were not in dispute, including that Mr Kahi was moving out of McDonald's place on July 4.
Justice Ellis said the Crown's case is that Mr Kahi returned to get some of his property but had been locked out of the house.
Crown prosecutors said Mr Kahi entered McDonald's home but there was no issue of self defence because Mr Kahi was unarmed and posed no threat.
McDonald's lawyers have said their client was almost overpowered by fear after waking to find Mr Kahi in his bedroom.
Justice Ellis said the defence argue that McDonald believed Mr Kahi had a weapon or would get one.
Justice Ellis told the jurors that McDonald's case was now in their hands.
"What exactly he did do is up to you.''
- Edward Gay
