The defense team has made the decision not to call any witnesses, and Julia DeLuney will also not testify in the trial where she is accused of the murder of her 79-year-old mother, Helen Gregory.
DeLuney maintains her innocence and is facing a jury trial in the High Court in Wellington, with the trial nearing its conclusion after four weeks.
The cross-examination of the Crown’s final witness, detective senior sergeant Tim Leitch, who headed the police investigation, concluded on Thursday afternoon.
Defense attorney Quentin Duff informed Justice Peter Churchman that they will not be calling any witnesses, and DeLuney will not be taking the stand.
DeLuney’s husband, Antonio, who was present on the night of the incident, has also not testified as he is not facing any charges related to the events.
The prosecution alleges that DeLuney, who was involved in cryptocurrency trading, was facing financial difficulties and on January 24, when she went to her mother’s house to book ballet tickets, she allegedly attacked her mother before staging it to appear as a fall from the attic.
However, the defense argues that there was a 90-minute gap during which DeLuney left her mother to seek help after the elderly woman fell from the attic.
Lead Crown prosecutor Stephanie Bishop began the closing arguments for the prosecution on Thursday, urging the jury to set aside any feelings of sympathy for the individuals involved or their families.
Following the prosecution’s closing, the defense will present its case to the jury.
