Weatherston admits killing Miss Elliott (22) and the hearing of the murder charge will continue today in front of Justice Judith Potter and a jury in the High Court at Christchurch.
After evidence from Detective John McDade was completed yesterday afternoon, Crown counsel Robin Bates said that was "as far as we can go at this point".
The 11 jurors were given the rest of the afternoon off so counsel could argue a legal question, the outcome of which could mean the Crown might have to call one more witness. Counsel's submissions and the matter at issue are suppressed.
Crown counsel Marie Grills earlier told the jury the Crown would not be calling five of the remaining witnesses on its list and the defence consented to evidence from five other witnesses, including two additional ESR scientists, being read.
Constable Julian Real's evidence related to the search of Weatherston's Ford Laser car which was parked opposite the Elliotts' driveway. He found nothing of interest and drove the car to the police station.
Paul Mitchell, of Auckland, the general manager of McPherson's Consumer Products, the brand owner of Wiltshire Knives, confirmed from photographs the knife used in the killing of Miss Elliott was the same model as one missing from a knife block in Weatherston's flat.
Evidence from ESR forensic scientists Gary Gillespie, of Christchurch, and Pauline Simon, of Auckland, related to DNA testing of blood marks on Weatherston's black computer bag and several items found in the outside pocket. The evidence strongly supported the finding the DNA in the bloodstains was from Miss Elliott, the court heard.
Psychiatrist Jubilee Rajiah assessed Weatherston about 8pm on the night of the killing and warned police he was a high suicide risk.
Weatherston knew the time and where he was, Dr Rajiah said. He complained of feeling nauseous but showed no obvious signs of mental illness. Although he denied any suicidal intent, he seemed highly aroused mentally and Dr Rajiah told police she believed he was a high suicide risk.
He asked for reading material but he was not allowed to have his glasses because of possible danger, so she suggested magazines.
