The trial of an elderly Rotorua man accused of shooting a Turangi service station attendant more than 30 years ago will begin today after the court was unable to select enough jurors yesterday.
Menzies Reginald John Hallett is on trial for the murder of Rodney Tahu, whom he allegedly gunned down on August 16, 1979.
The bespectacled 72-year-old, wearing a suit and a tie, was accompanied by relatives who he smiled at as he entered the court. He has entered a not guilty plea to one charge of murder.
The trial before Justice Ailsa Duffy was adjourned yesterday after the Crown and defence challenged the selection of a number of jurors and several were also excused.
Ten jury members have been selected and a further two will be chosen this morning.
Prosecutor Fletcher Pilditch is appearing for the Crown and defence lawyer Paul Mabey, QC, is representing Hallett.
Mr Tahu was shot in the shoulder and the head on the forecourt at the Turangi petrol station at the end of the night on August 16, 1979.
He was found shortly afterwards by a truck driver but died at the Taumarunui Hospital a few hours later, leaving behind a wife and two young sons.
Hallett was charged with his murder in December 2011. Police said at the time that recent law changes and advances in technology helped in the arrest.
- James Ihaka of the NZ Herald
