New Zealand - Michael McGrath, 49, still missing, Christchurch, 21 May 2017 *arrest* *Mistrial*

[CalliopeGG]

Murder-accused Googled 'human body' and 'anatomy' before alleged shooting

David Benbow's laptop showed searches that might have been useful if he was looking to fatally shoot his best mate, Michael McGrath.

i.stuff.co.nz

 

[CalliopeGG]

Murder-accused tells his counsellor he wants to destroy Michael McGrath

David Benbow was depressed and struggling. He went to counselling and at his first session he vented his feeling about suspicions Michael McGrath was seeing his ex-partner. About 20 days later McGrath went missing.

i.stuff.co.nz

 

[JerseyGirl]

Bodiless murder trial: Key witness testimony comes under spotlight

Lawyer reminds witness his evidence isn't to “fit in with the police theory”.

www.nzherald.co.nz

 

[CalliopeGG]

Homicide detectives drained septic tank in fruitless hunt for body

A 10-day search of David Benbow's home looking for evidence of a shooting or body turned up little to help the police's homicide case.

i.stuff.co.nz

 

[JerseyGirl]

Buried in the riverbank? Murder suspect had ‘highly-suitable location’ to conceal body of close friend, court hears

Body may have been 'flushed' away: Mike McGrath vanished in 2017, never to be seen again.

www.nzherald.co.nz

 

[CalliopeGG]

Video interview of key witness in Benbow murder trial highlights inconsistencies

Lyttelton Port Company staffer Stephen Robinson says he saw two men talking outside murder-accused David Benbow's property at a critical date and time. However, his evidence is confused and inconsistent.

i.stuff.co.nz

 

[JerseyGirl]

Defence attack crucial CCTV evidence in Christchurch murder trial

The outcome of the trial of David Benbow will depend partly on what the jury makes of CCTV footage of three cars, said to belong to the victim Michael McGrath, Benbow and a crucial witness.

www.stuff.co.nz

 

[CalliopeGG]

Police say searching for Michael McGrath's body has taken thousands of hours

www.newshub.co.nz

 

[CalliopeGG]

Murder-accused David Benbow appeared relaxed about ex-partner dating best mate

Four days after he allegedly killed his best mate, David Benbow sat down with police to talk about his reaction to Michael McGrath dating his ex-partner. The Crown alleges he didn't tell the truth.

i.stuff.co.nz

 

[CalliopeGG]

CCTV footage shows murder-accused dumping long, rigid object day after alleged killing

The day after he allegedly shot his best mate with his rifle, David Benbow went to the dump to throw out a small amount of rubbish, including clothing and shoes.

i.stuff.co.nz

Have a good look at around 46-47 seconds. Second man on left.

 

[CalliopeGG]

Murder-accused made up story about car, witness says

David Benbow visited his alleged victim Michael McGrath five days before McGrath went missing. When he later mentioned the visit he lied, the Crown alleges.

i.stuff.co.nz

 

[CalliopeGG]

Murder-accused keen to get battery charger on day of alleged killing, trial told

David Benbow seemed in dire need of a battery charger on the day he allegedly killed Michael McGrath. The question for the jury in his murder trial is what did he need it for.

i.stuff.co.nz

 

[CalliopeGG]

Murder trial witness' mistake shows 'entire premise' of Crown case flawed - defence

Mike McGrath vanished in 2017, never to be seen again.

www.nzherald.co.nz

 

[JerseyGirl]

Power no longer indicator of whether missing man home at time of alleged murder - defence expert

Mike McGrath vanished in 2017, never to be seen again. David Benbow is on trial.

www.nzherald.co.nz

 

[JerseyGirl]

Bodiless murder trial: Expert witness rubbishes CCTV evidence

Mike McGrath vanished in 2017, never to be seen again. David Benbow is on trial.

www.nzherald.co.nz

 

[JerseyGirl]

Car sightings, missing jersey and three petrol station stops - CCTV crux of David Benbow murder case

The Crown says CCTV footage clinches its case against murder-accused David Benbow. The defence says it's unreliable. The jury will have to decide.

www.stuff.co.nz

The defence reached its final witness on Friday and barring an upset, the Crown will close its case before the jury of five women and seven men on Monday. The defence is expected to give its closing address on Tuesday and Justice Jonathan Eaton will sum up on Wednesday.

 

[CalliopeGG]

Feelings of jealousy, anger and betrayal at heart of Michael McGrath's murder, Crown says

Pain, rage, then murder. The Crown has traced the circumstances leading to the alleged murder of Christchurch carpenter Michael McGrath.

i.stuff.co.nz

 

[CalliopeGG]

Michael McGrath murder trial: Crown tells jury David Benbow killed out of 'jealousy and anger'

www.newshub.co.nz

 

[hazel324]

Anyone interested in discussing this with me..? I live in NZ, followed case but don't have anyone really interested in sharing thoughts etc...

 

[hazel324]

I have a bad feeling the jury will be hung, not the worst result...

Guess we'll see if anything transpires Monday....Jury back deliberating in about 10 hours