29 Jun 2018

NZ man shot in US, Troy Skinner, unable to make court appearance

8:42 am on 29 June 2018

New Zealander Troy Skinner has been unable to make his first court appearance in Virginia - so it has been delayed.

Passport photo of man named as Troy George Skinner, provided by Goochland County Sheriff's Office.

Photo: Goochland County Sheriff's Office

Police said the 25-year-old was shot at by the mother of a 14-year-old girl he had met online, while trying to break into their house in Goochland, Virginia.

Goochland District Court staff say Skinner was scheduled to appear by video link from his guarded hospital bed overnight, but was not well enough.

Police found duct tape, a knife and pepper spray in his backpack and say he is facing charges of entering a dwelling with intent to commit murder, rape, robbery or arson.

Mr Skinner will now appear by video link next week.

The charges carry a possible penalty of life imprisonment.

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