Defendant Louise Kelly Hume took the stand. Photo: Stuff/Juan Zarama Perini
A defendant in the Karori murder trial says she did not supply the gun which killed Rau Tongia.
A murder trial has been running since May in the High Court in Wellington where four women - Shayde Carolyn Weston, Breeze Hunt-Weston, Louise Kelly Hume, and Pania Ella Waaka - have all pleaded not guilty to murder charges.
The Crown alleges Tongia was shot in the back while he slept at a house in Wellington's Karori in December 2020, and each of the women played a role in the lead up to his death.
In the hours before Tongia's death, the Crown alleged he assaulted Weston and his death was a revenge killing.
The Crown believed Weston either pulled the trigger or assisted in the shooting, Waaka drove Weston to the address, Hunt-Weston lent them the car to get there, and Hume supplied the gun used.
A fifth woman was also set to go on trial charged with murder but was excused due to health reasons.
Following the end of the Crown's case this morning, defendant Louise Kelly Hume took the stand.
The three other defendants elected not to give evidence.
CCTV presented by the Crown showed a vehicle believed to to have Weston, Hunt Weston and two other women in it, drive near Hume's residence after the altercation with Tongia.
The Crown alleges this is when Weston obtained the gun from Hume.
Under the questioning of her lawyer Shane Robinson, Hume said she had not discussed obtaining a firearm and did not know the women were coming to her home.
She said the woman only stayed briefly, filling her in on what had happened.
Hume said at the time the matter appeared dealt with and there did not seem any need to seek revenge.
Counsel are expect to make closing statements next week.
