Ewen Macdonald's parents 'totally at peace'

The parents of Ewen Macdonald, Kerry Macdonald and Marlene Macdonald, leave the High Court in Wellington during the trial. Photo / Mark Mitchell

The parents of Ewen Macdonald say they are "totally at peace" with their son's assertion he did not murder Feilding farmer Scott Guy.

A statement released by Kerry and Marlene Macdonald said a jury was right to find their son not guilty of murdering Mr Guy on Tuesday.

"Over 480 days ago our son Ewen was arrested for Scott's murder and we spoke in our statement at the time of our support and unconditional love for Ewen. Over the months since, that support and love has got us all through this ordeal. We also commented that "the truth was keenly sought by all". After talking to Ewen at every prison visit possible and hundreds of phone conversations we are no longer "confused and bewildered" but rather totally at peace with the knowledge that we at least have his truth. Tuesday's verdict was correct."

The statement said the murder trial had been brutal for Kylee Guy and the rest of the Guy family.

They said the tragedy of Scott Guy's death had been lost amid coverage of the aftermath of his murder.

"Ewen knows he is responsible for that as well as the physical crimes he committed. Ewen has no words big enough to express his remorse or apologies.

"Pause for a moment whilst you follow this spectacle and reflect on Scott's passing and all it means. We continue to give our unconditional love and support along with Bryan and Jo to Anna and our wonderful Grandkids."

The Macdonalds said love and support from family, friends and colleagues had given them the strength to get through the trial and their son's imprisonment.

Staff at Manawatu Prison had also shown them respect, dignity and great compassion.

Macdonald, 32, has been remanded in custody to appear in the Palmerston North District Court on July 31, when a sentencing date will be set.

He has spent 15 months at the prison since his arrest on the murder charge in April last year.

A suppression order on the fact he is facing other serious charges has been lifted.