Defence Witness Claims Homicide Victim Previously Cut Him with Knife in Murder Trial

In a tense murder trial in Auckland, a defence witness has claimed that the victim, Joeli Rankin, had previously cut him with a knife, a revelation that could significantly impact the case.

During the ongoing trial of Chrishan Raju, who is accused of stabbing Rankin to death, defence witness Zain Ali testified that he had a prior altercation with Rankin in which he was cut. The incident occurred just days before Rankin's fatal stabbing in February 2025.

Ali, who was currently in jail for an unrelated matter, described the encounter with Rankin, during which he claimed to have been slashed on his back. He stated that Rankin had shown a weapon during their confrontation, although he did not see it directly.

The defence team, led by lawyer Jasper Rhodes, argued that this prior incident influenced Raju's state of mind and justified his actions. They suggested that Raju believed he was in danger and that lethal force was necessary for his self-defense.

On the other hand, the Crown has expressed skepticism about the timeline and the nature of Rankin's alleged weapon use. They have contended that Rankin's actions were not as violent as described, and that the machete was not actually used during the confrontation.

The trial has been marked by dramatic testimony, including accounts of Rankin arriving at the home with a machete, which he allegedly used to break into the property. However, the prosecution has challenged the credibility of the defence's claims, pointing to Ali's history of dishonesty and his failure to report the injury at the time.

As the trial continues, both sides are preparing for their closing arguments, with Justice Michele Wilkinson-Smith and the jury set to hear the final statements. The outcome of this case will likely hinge on the credibility of the witnesses and the interpretation of the events leading up to the fatal stabbing.

For now, the courtroom remains a focal point of public interest, with many following the developments closely as the truth behind the tragic events unfolds.