The case is due to be recalled in court tomorrow, when a new trial date would be scheduled.
Kana died on May 10, 2020, in Tokoroa. He had been with two other men in a garage at the rear of a friend’s house on Moa St, where they often played darts and hung out.
It was the Crown’s case that Kaitai arrived concealing a shotgun.
She had an argument with Kana and presented the gun, loaded it with ammunition she had with her, then pointed it at Kana.
There was a struggle before Kaitai shot Kana, the Crown said.
Justice Layne Harvey. Photo / Kelly Makiha
The Crown said in its opening address that Kana dropped to his knees with a bullet lodged in his torso and his last words were, “Oh Ava” – a name Kaitai was known by.
It was Kaitai’s defence that she never intended to shoot or kill Kana – that she wanted him to “get back”, but he didn’t, and her actions were in self-defence.
A jury of six men and six women was selected to hear what was supposed to be a three-week trial.
The Crown’s case was led by Anna McConachy and Laurie McMaster while Tiana Epati, KC, and Matthew Jenkins represented Kaitai.
Kelly Makiha is a senior journalist who has reported for the Rotorua Daily Post for more than 25 years, covering mainly police, court, human interest and social issues.