Khandallah Murder Trial: Julia DeLuney's Outburst During Crown's Closing Address

The Khandallah murder trial has taken a dramatic turn as defendant Julia DeLuney, 53, made a loud outburst in the Wellington High Court during the Crown prosecutor's closing address to the jury. The trial, which has been ongoing for several weeks, centers around the alleged murder of DeLuney's 79-year-old mother, Helen Gregory, at the family home on Baroda St in Khandallah last January.

The Crown's case is that DeLuney killed her mother and then staged the scene to make it appear as though Gregory had died from an accidental fall. DeLuney claims she returned to the Kāpiti Coast to seek help after her mother fell from the attic, and that the murder occurred during the 90 minutes she was absent.

Crown prosecutor Stephanie Bishop delivered her closing address today, emphasizing the evidence that suggests DeLuney was the sole perpetrator of the crime. She pointed to bloodstains and patterns in the home that, according to expert testimony, were not consistent with a fall but rather with a staged crime scene.

"The blood patterns do not match those of a person who fell and then crawled or staggered to the bedroom," Bishop said. "It's clear that someone intentionally placed the blood in those locations."

Bishop also highlighted the discovery of a heavy vase, believed to be the murder weapon, in a skip bin. She argued that DeLuney had moved the vase from the original bin to another, suggesting a deliberate attempt to hide the evidence.

During Bishop's address, DeLuney made a loud, unexpected outburst, shouting, "Our dogs," and glaring at the prosecutor. Moments later, she was heard sighing loudly and then a loud bang was heard from her dock, further disrupting the courtroom.

Bishop continued with her address, arguing that the evidence strongly points to DeLuney as the murderer. She noted that the lack of stolen items from the home, despite the presence of valuable electronics, further undermines the possibility of a burglar being involved.

"Why would a random burglar stage the scene after brutally killing an already injured 79-year-old woman?" Bishop asked. "What possible benefit would that bring?"

The Crown also pointed to financial tensions between DeLuney and her mother, suggesting that DeLuney was living beyond her means and had been siphoning money from her mother. Bishop noted that DeLuney had even convinced her mother to transfer more funds, claiming they would "make money" together.

Defence lawyer Quentin Duff is expected to deliver his closing address next, arguing that police may have focused too quickly on DeLuney and that the investigation suffered from tunnel vision.

The trial continues with the jury now tasked with weighing the evidence and determining the truth behind the tragic death of Helen Gregory.