CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand – The man accused of murdering a former gang member at a Christchurch housing complex has admitted part of the fatal attack when spoken to by police, claiming self-defense after being “raged out” at by the victim. Motu Smith is facing charges for allegedly beating Daniel Hawkins, inflicting severe head injuries, cutting his throat, and stabbing his neck, which left him to die in a pool of blood.
The Crown alleges that Smith’s actions were part of a “spree” of violent offenses, including attacking two other men and stealing their vehicles. However, Smith asserts that he was acting in self-defense when he injured Hawkins.
Emergency services were called to the community housing complex off Brougham Street, where they found Hawkins in his unit with critical injuries. He died shortly after being discovered.
Smith, who was living at the complex with his mother at the time, was charged with murdering Hawkins and has pleaded not guilty. However, he has admitted to several other charges, including stealing cars and giving false information to the police.
The trial, which is expected to take three weeks, began with Justice Jonathan Eaton addressing the jury and the prosecutor outlining the allegations against Smith. The prosecution claims that Smith’s defense of self-defense is not viable, with evidence of his involvement in similar offenses before and after the alleged murder.
The first incident witnessed a violent attack by Smith, who choked and assaulted a man before stealing his phone and fleeing the scene. This was followed by a second incident involving Smith’s encounter with another man and an altercation captured on a dashboard camera. He then drove to Akaroa, taking and abandoning another stolen car.
In the midst of his alleged crime spree, Smith entered Hawkins’ unit and engaged in an altercation that resulted in Hawkins suffering severe injuries and ultimately dying. The prosecution claims that the injuries inflicted on Hawkins, including blunt force trauma and knife wounds, occurred after he was rendered unconscious and incapacitated by the initial assault. Smith fled the scene in Hawkins’ car before being caught and arrested by police.
As the trial unfolds, Smith’s defense team asserts that he was acting in self-defense, claiming that he felt threatened by Hawkins and chose to stay alive. The defense lawyer also emphasized that Smith was taking responsibility for some of the offenses, but he did not accept the charge of murder.
The article also delves into the personal life of Hawkins, shedding light on his troubled relationship with his partner Nyomi Coleman, who expressed her love and adoration for him despite their difficulties. Coleman shared her devastation upon learning about Hawkins’ death, describing him as a caring and loving partner despite his past struggles and legal issues.
The trial is poised to continue for three weeks, during which various witnesses, forensic experts, and police officers involved in the investigation will provide testimony. The outcome of the trial will determine the fate of the accused and provide closure for the loved ones of the victim.