Murder-Accused Julia DeLuney Interrupts Crown During Closing Arguments

In a dramatic turn of events during the closing arguments of her murder trial, Julia DeLuney, the accused in the death of her 79-year-old mother Helen Gregory, interrupted the Crown's prosecutor mid-sentence. The incident occurred in the High Court in Wellington, where DeLuney faces a jury after being charged with the murder of her mother at their home in Khandallah in January 2024.

The trial, now in its fourth week, has been marked by intense courtroom exchanges. Crown prosecutor Stephanie Bishop was in the midst of her closing argument when she suggested that there would be no reasonable explanation for someone to check the skip late at night at the DeLuneys' residence. DeLuney immediately interjected with an angry outburst, shouting, “Our dogs.”

The Crown’s case hinges on the claim that DeLuney initially disposed of bloody clothing and a vase, but later changed her mind and placed them in a passing rubbish truck the following morning. This detail has become a focal point of the prosecution’s narrative, as they attempt to establish a timeline of events that could lead to the murder.

DeLuney has consistently denied the charge, and her defense has chosen not to call any witnesses, opting instead to rely on the absence of evidence and the potential biases of the investigation. The defense has previously argued that the police may have developed tunnel vision during the investigation, potentially overlooking key details.

The interruption by DeLuney has added a new layer of tension to the trial, raising questions about her emotional state and the strength of the Crown’s case. As the trial approaches its conclusion, the jury will be tasked with weighing the evidence and determining whether the Crown has met the burden of proof required to secure a conviction.

This case has captured public attention, not only for the alleged familial relationship between the accused and the victim but also for the emotional and psychological complexities that may have led to the tragic events. As the trial continues, the courtroom remains a stage for a story that has touched the hearts of many and raised difficult questions about justice, motive, and the law.