Epiha, 25, pleaded guilty last week to Hunt's murder — although he maintains it was the result of recklessness instead of murderous intent. Goldfinch testified yesterday that Epiha crashed his car that morning after fleeing the officers, then emerged from the car with a military-style semi-automatic rifle. Epiha didn't say a word in response, instead seeming to make a conscious decision to kill the officer instead, Goldfinch said. After eventually telling Conza about the police shooting, Conza asked for a cigarette then asked to be taken out of Epiha's earshot, the officer testified. After requesting a photo of the shooting suspect, he realised there was a "very, very strong resemblance" and told Epiha he was also under arrest for assaulting police.

Source: Otago Daily Times July 16, 2021 02:48 UTC