19 Apr 2016

Jury deliberating in Hutt Valley murder trial

1:14 pm on 19 April 2016

The jury in the trial of a 20-year-old Hutt Valley woman has retired to decide whether she murdered her mother's partner or shot him in self-defence.

Daryl Kirk at the High Court in Wellington on 11 April 2016.

Daryl Kirk in the High Court in Wellington last week. Photo: RNZ / Maja Burry

Daryl Kirk shot Adam Watkins three times after an argument in their Taita home in Feburary last year.

Ms Kirk's lawyer, Mike Antunovic, told the High Court in Wellington she thought she was going to be killed when Mr Watkins advanced towards her with a meat cleaver.

She retrieved her boyfriend's semi-automatic rifle from their bedroom and fired six shots at Mr Watkins, who was hit three times - in the neck, chest and back.

Mr Antunovic said she acted in self-defence.

The Crown argued that the fact Mr Watkins was shot in the back showed her actions were unnecessary.