29 Jul 2011

Murupara murder trial begins in Rotorua

2:30 pm on 29 July 2011

The trial of five men accused of murdering a teenager in the Bay of Plenty town of Murupara two years ago has started in Rotorua.

Another man has already admitted to the killing of Kaine Lewis in 2009.

Neville Duff, Joshua Whitu, David Rewi, Jerome Rutene, and Hemi Winitana are all accused of killing Kaine Lewis who was 17.

They are also charged with participation in a criminal group.

Another man, Norton Taoho, pleaded guilty to the murder earlier this month.

The jury was selected on Friday before the court was adjourned for the weekend.

The Crown has indicated it could call 53 witnesses.

The trial is expected to last between three and five weeks.