Yesterday, Naya Ropiu Fabian Wharekura, 29, appeared in the High Court at Invercargill for the first day of his jury trial.
He denied the murder of Chad Terrance Parekura and the attempted murder of Austin Jazz McGregor following the double-stabbing on April 23, 2022, but pleaded guilty to alternative charges of manslaughter and wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
Crown Prosecutor Mike Brownlie showed the jury CCTV footage of the defendant lunging at Mr Parekura and stabbing him in his side, before attacking Mr McGregor in the same way.
Bouncers and police performed CPR on Mr Parekura, but he died at the scene.
Mr McGregor’s girlfriend used a shirt to apply pressure to his wound before police rushed him to hospital for treatment.
The first crown witness was a detective who talked the jury through who could be seen on CCTV footage at Tillermans Nightclub on the night of the incident.
Mr Parekura, Mr McGregor and their friends were seen dancing, drinking shots and showing each other their phones.
At different points in the night two of the friends can be seen "shadow-boxing".
Mr Brownlie alleged the way Wharekura forcefully stabbed the two men in their sides indicated he intended to kill them.
He said late on April 22, 2022, Wharekura and some associates were attempting to buy MDMA.
Mr McGregor agreed to sell them half a gram for $150.
The group was driven by a 16-year-old to Tillermans Nightclub and parked outside.
Mr McGregor got into the vehicle and Wharekura took the drugs, but only handed over $35, before the group drove back to an address in Crawford St.
Meanwhile, Mr McGregor went back to Tillermans Nightclub, where he told Mr Parekura and others the defendant had ripped him off.
While at the Crawford St house, Wharekura was convinced to pay Mr McGregor the outstanding cash.
The Crown alleged that was where the defendant armed himself with a boning knife.
He went back to Tillermans Nightclub and parked outside in Don St.
Mr McGregor, Mr Parekura and some acquaintances went out to the street to meet the group, who were waiting beside the vehicle.
Mr Parekura ran towards the 16-year-old driver and threw a punch at him, but missed.
The next 13 seconds of footage was frozen before the two stabbings ensued.
The following Monday police found Wharekura, who told them he was at home on the night of the double-stabbing.
Counsel John Westgate said the trial was only about the defendant’s intention when he stabbed the two victims.
"You cannot be satisfied beyond reasonable doubt ... that he had murderous intent."
Mr Westgate highlighted Wharekura had already taken responsibility for the incident by pleading guilty to manslaughter and wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm.
Justice Paul Radich is presiding over the trial, which is expected to hear from 32 Crown witnesses and last two weeks.
The first Crown witness will continue giving evidence today.
— Felicity Dear, PIJF court reporter
