Condemned double murderer Ronnie Lee Gardner has chosen the firing squad as his method of execution this Friday.

A man accused of killing an Auckland taxi driver is in custody in China, but the dead man's family may never see him face justice in NZ, a leading lawyer says.

Police say they have evidence missing Kapiti man Raymond Piper has died a violent death.

New South Wales police have offered a A$100,000 ($122,800) reward for help in solving a 37-year-old murder mystery.

Jane Phare talks to a South African living in New Zealand who is returning to Cape Town armed with lessons learned from Kiwis.

A man has been jailed for attacking family members with a replica medieval axe on his wedding night, after he was caught kissing a bridesmaid.

Raymond 'Son' Piper has not been seen since May 15 when he disappeared from Paraparaumu.

John Skinner turned his back to the courtroom and gestured defiantly after being found guilty of murdering a police officer.

A mother and daughter were farewelled cradling each other in the same coffin, among outpourings of grief at their premature deaths.

The Taleban has reportedly hanged a seven-year-old boy accused of being a spy for US forces.

John Skinner, 38, and Iain Clegg, 36, denied murdering Sergeant Don Wilkinson and attempting to murder another police officer.

Eric Smail was drunk and in an "angry, pessimistic state" on the night he killed his paralysed friend, a psychiatrist told court today.