Homicide Victim's Final Moments Captured in Video During Chrishan Raju Murder Trial

Newly released video footage from the murder trial of Chrishan Raju has provided a harrowing glimpse into the final moments of Joeli "Skunks" Rankin, a man who was later stabbed to death inside an Auckland Kāinga Ora flat in February 2024.

The video, taken from a mobile phone belonging to Rankin’s girlfriend, was shown to jurors in the High Court at Auckland during the ongoing trial. It depicts the chaotic and violent confrontation that led to Rankin’s death, raising questions about the circumstances of the incident and whether Raju’s actions were justified as self-defense.

During the trial, Raju admitted to stabbing Rankin but claimed the act was a result of self-defense. The prosecution, however, argues that the killing was premeditated and not an act of necessity.

The Final Moments of Joeli Rankin

The footage captured Rankin’s arrival at the Mt Albert home where Raju was staying. He was seen shouting slurs and threatening to break in. Rankin, who had been called to the property by Raju’s partner, Georgina Hellawell, was reportedly armed with a rusted machete.

Hellawell testified that she had warned Rankin that Raju was armed and threatening to "shank" him if he showed up. However, the defense has disputed this, suggesting that Hellawell exaggerated or lied about the situation.

According to the video, Rankin attempted to force his way into the home, breaking a window and trying to kick in the front door. He was heard yelling, "Raju, where the f*** are you? Where is this c***?" and "Chris, you little b***h, come out!"

A Violent Confrontation

After failing to gain entry through the front door, Rankin climbed over a fence into the backyard and retrieved a machete from the bushes. He then entered the home through a broken ranchslider and approached Raju, who was in his room.

Hellawell told jurors that she heard a scuffle before both men emerged, with blood splattering onto the walls. At first, she was unsure which man was bleeding. The video shows Rankin being stabbed first, causing a fatal wound, but he managed to pull out his knife and stab Raju before collapsing.

A doctor who examined Raju at Auckland Hospital hours after the incident testified that he had suffered a deep stab wound to his back, resulting in a punctured lung. Raju was described as tired and in pain during the examination.

The Trial Continues

The trial, which is being heard before Justice Michele Wilkinson-Smith and a jury, has seen the Crown present its evidence, including the video footage. A pathologist is expected to testify about Rankin’s injuries on Monday as the Crown wraps up its case.

The defense will have the opportunity to call witnesses, including Raju himself, if he chooses to testify. The case has sparked significant public interest, with many questioning the circumstances of the deadly encounter and whether self-defense was truly justified.

As the trial progresses, the court will continue to examine the evidence and testimonies to determine the true nature of the events that led to Rankin’s death.