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A jury has retired to decide if a 25-year-old Auckland man is a double murderer after he drove his car into a crowd last year, killing a young man and a young woman and injuring two others.
Melissa Viall, 23, died when she went to the aid of her friend Kane Wright, 19, in the south Auckland suburb of Pakuranga on October 8, last year outside a 21st birthday party.
Mr Wright had been knocked down by a car and as Ms Viall went to his aid the car turned around and came back, hitting her.
Darin Gardner faced two counts of murder and during his trial the Crown said Gardner twice drove at a group of people fighting, killing Ms Viall instantly. Mr Wright died in hospital the next day.
Gardner also faced charges of intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and injuring with intent. James Rixon and Anton Degraaff face charges of injuring with intent.
The jury of seven women and five men retired about midday.
- NZPA
