Why? Murdered man's family query 'not guilty' verdicts

Navtej Singh. Photo / Supplied

Navtej Singh's family cannot understand why only one man was found accountable for his death, but say they respect the decision of the jury.

Family friend Daljit Singh said the family were still suffering and Mr Singh's widow, Harjinder Kaur, remained haunted by his death.

"We do respect the verdicts given by the jury and the law of New Zealand, and are looking forward to the sentencing on April 23."

But they could not see how Anitelea Chan Kee was the only accused to be found guilty of murder and the others, especially the two who went into the store with him, were found not guilty.

"Navtej's wife is still in shock. There were three of them that went along with the accused ... and have been found not guilty so she's very upset with that," Daljit Singh said outside the High Court at Auckland.

Chan Kee was found guilty of murder after a jury deliberated for almost 20 hours. Five others - Myron Robert Felise, Jason Naseri, Tino Faamele Felise, Eti Filoa and Walter McCarthy - were found not guilty of murder or manslaughter.

Tino Felise, McCarthy and Filoa were found guilty of aggravated robbery. The others had earlier pleaded guilty to that charge. All six were remanded in custody for sentencing.

Mefiposeta Chan Kee was found not guilty of being an accessory after the fact.

Outside the court, Myron Felise's lawyer, Ron Mansfield, said his client was remorseful and relieved.

"It's been an ordeal for him and he acknowledges it's been an ordeal for the Singh family."

Graeme Newell, who represented Naseri, said his client never thought the firearm would be used in the way it was.

"He's very relieved about the murder and manslaughter acquittal - that's all that could be expected."

Justice Graham Lang thanked the jurors for their "sterling" efforts.

"You've sat through some pretty harrowing evidence, and the fact that you've taken a lengthy time deliberating shows the care you've taken in reaching your verdicts."