Accused killer's family 'bewildered'

Ewen MacDonald. Photo / Mark Mitchell

The family of the man accused of murdering his brother-in-law, Manawatu dairy farmer Scott Guy, are "confused and bewildered" but say they remain a close part of the Guy family.

Ewen MacDonald, 30, has been charged with the murder of Mr Guy, 31, who was gunned down in the driveway of his Feilding farm on July 8 last year.

MacDonald was arrested on Thursday and appeared in court yesterday - nine months to the day since Mr Guy's death.

MacDonald's father, Kerry, today released a statement saying he and wife Marlene fully supported their son.

"As parents, when your child falls over, you pick them up, give them a cuddle and rub the pain away with love and kind words," he said.

"We want to do just that but can't in this instance, although we will always love him dearly and still feel as close to him as ever."

The MacDonald and Guy families were close, and Mr MacDonald said his heart went out to Mr Guy's widow, Kylee, who had given birth to the couple's second child since his death.

The families had been together during the past few days, supporting each other "with unconditional love", Mr MacDonald said.

"Whilst Marlene and I have emotions of love, sorrow and guilt, our pain is eased by the help and support we are able to give and receive from both families," he said.

MacDonald and his wife, Mr Guy's sister, Anna, have four children aged between two and seven, and the MacDonald pledged to support their daughter-in-law and grandchildren "with all our resources, energy and ability".

"Anna, Marlene and the kids do a lot together and we must, for the kids' sake, keep life as normal and as positive as possible for them," Mr MacDonald said.

Mr MacDonald paid tribute to the police, saying they had been supportive and "there for us" in charging their son while being mindful the family was an integral part of the larger Guy/MacDonald family.

It had required great tact as all were victims in the events - "but none so great as Scott".

The MacDonalds hoped to see their son within a week and said the truth would be keenly sought by all.

"Marlene and I are confused and bewildered but have received fantastic support from friends, family, neighbours, work and business colleagues, which has been a great help and comfort to us."

Anna MacDonald told the Dominion Post the arrest of her husband was like a nightmare.

When police came to take him away on Thursday, Mrs MacDonald kissed him and told him she loved him.

"I had pins and needles and I felt like I was going to throw up and I didn't know what to think. It was too much to comprehend," she said.

Mrs MacDonald said she could not sleep that night for wondering whether her husband was responsible for the slaying.

"I've gone back through all of his reactions - when he found out Scott had been killed, etc - and there was nothing out of place to suggest it was him this whole way through."

She had told their children, which had been heartbreaking, she said.

The MacDonald and Guy families were close; Mr Guy was best man at his sister's wedding, MacDonald helped carry Mr Guy's casket and the men both managed the Guy family farm.

In Palmerston North District Court yesterday, MacDonald denied involvement in the killing and was remanded in custody to until next month.

As well as the murder charge, he faces six others whose details have been suppressed.

Another Feilding man, aged 21, has been arrested and charged in relation arson and criminal damage charges at the farm prior to the slaying.

He appeared in Queenstown District Court on Thursday.

The man, a builder, was granted name suppression, released on bail and will reappear later this month.

- NZPA