A 14-year-old boy has been found guilty of manslaughter but acquitted of murdering 16-year-old Enere Taana-McLaren in Dunedin last year.
The verdict was delivered unanimously in the High Court after a two-week trial and over two days of jury deliberation.
The then 13-year-old killed Taana-McLaren during a confrontation at a central city bush hub, with the Crown arguing he initiated the attack to maintain his “gangster persona,” while the defence claimed he acted in self-defence, fearing for his safety.
Graphic CCTV footage showed the altercation escalating quickly, ending with the fatal stab wound that pierced 10-12 centimetres into Taana-McLaren’s abdomen. A date for sentencing is to be set down.
Image credit: Donovan Kelly
