KEY POINTS:
The investigation into the unsolved murder of 72-year-old farmer Jack Nicholas was formally concluded at a brief Napier Coroner's Court hearing this week.
Coroner Warwick Holmes formally closed the investigation, concluding Mr Nicholas died of gunshot wounds inflicted by an unknown person or persons.
But for his wife, Agnes Nicholas, there is no closure. She told Hawke's Bay Today she would never forget finding her husband shot in the chest outside their farm.
Mrs Nicholas said she had been spending the days before the inquest looking through family picture albums.
"I keep looking at his pictures, of the smile on his face, and I can't get it out of my mind how I felt that morning.
"I keep asking myself why would anyone want to do this?"
Mrs Nicholas expressed relief that the formal part of the inquest was finally over.
But she said her family would never have closure about that day.
"The questions we have still in our minds and hearts have not been answered."
The inquest on Thursday was four years and a month after Mr Nicholas was shot outside his cottage on Makahu Farm, in the foothills of the Kaweka Ranges, on the morning of August 27, 2004.
After an eight-week trial this year, Haumoana man Murray Foreman, 50, was found not guilty of murder, and police have not charged anyone else with the killing.
Mrs Nicholas said for a long time her son Oliver was angry.
"For a long time he was very angry after the court case. He felt very angry and sad but is getting a bit better now."
She said the whole family was getting on with life.
Her son was looking after the family farm and had a young family to care for. She said going to events like school sports days helped to ease her mind.
On the farm Mr Nicholas worked there are constant reminders of his life. She said she had only to look out the window to see trees he had planted.
She did not want people to forget him and wanted his memory to live on.
At the coroner's court the family of Mr Nicholas asked no questions of Detective Daryl Moore.
He said no new evidence had come to light during the trial and police were not looking for anyone else.
Mr Holmes conveyed his condolences to the family.
"I appreciate it has been a protracted and horrible experience for you."
If any new facts came to light the investigation could be opened again, he said.
- HAWKE'S BAY TODAY
