Hitchhiker admits murdering good samaritan

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A hitchhiker has pleaded guilty to the murder of 64-year-old Tokaanu beneficiary Gordon Tunnicliffe.

Morgan Wayne Knight, 21, pleaded guilty in the High Court at Rotorua today to murdering Mr Tunnicliffe in his home near Turangi on April 14.

Mr Tunnicliffe reportedly picked up Knight while travelling from Taupo, offered to put him up for the night and was assaulted during a confrontation.

He never regained consciousness and died two weeks later.

Knight will be sentenced in Rotorua on October 31.