Four Charged in Murder Trial Following Alleged Luring of Man

A murder trial has commenced at the High Court in Christchurch, revealing chilling details about the alleged killing of Anaru Moana near Waimate, New Zealand. The prosecution claims Moana was lured to a reserve on the morning of December 20, 2021, where he was shot and subsequently assaulted with a blunt object. His body has not been recovered since the incident.

The defendants, Hayden Burt, Aaron Boden, and siblings Cody and Korina Boyes, face charges of murder, having all pleaded not guilty. Burt and Boden are also charged with kidnapping and injuring with intent. A fifth individual, Joseph Cropley, has been charged similarly but has also pleaded not guilty.

Moana was reported missing on December 23, 2021, prompting extensive search efforts. Prosecutor Shawn McManus described Moana as having been “ambushed” after being brought to Kelceys Bush. This attack is believed to be motivated by a previous theft Moana committed, in which he and an associate allegedly stole methamphetamine and cash totaling approximately $60,000 from a vehicle in Oamaru three months earlier.

“Mr Burt’s plan was to lure Mr Moana to a secluded area, seriously assault him and make a statement not just to Mr Moana, but to anyone else who was thinking of doing the same,” McManus stated. The prosecution argues that all defendants acted with murderous intent.

The court learned that Moana’s associate had previously suffered severe injuries during an attack allegedly carried out by Boden and Cropley over the same theft. The associate was left “battered, bruised and bleeding” and was later abandoned in a gravel pit outside Oamaru.

Moana had returned to Waimate in November 2021 to care for his terminally ill mother, who passed away on the morning of his alleged murder. McManus noted that Moana’s location became known to his alleged attackers after he contacted Korina Boyes, requesting methamphetamine.

“Ms Boyes was aware that Mr Moana had previously robbed Mr Burt and that they found themselves in a precarious position,” McManus explained. Following this, Burt, Boden, Boyes, and another associate devised a plan to lure Moana to the reserve under the pretense of a casual meeting.

On the day of the alleged murder, Boyes drove Moana to Kelceys Bush, where Burt and Boden awaited him. When Moana realized he was in danger, he attempted to escape and climbed a tree. However, Burt and Boden were unable to retrieve him from his position.

Boyes left the scene but later returned with her brother Cody, who was armed. Two shots were fired at Moana, forcing him to fall from the tree. McManus described how the assault continued on the ground, culminating when Boden struck Moana with a weapon, likely a spade or a branch.

“The blow was the final blow in a series of assaults against Mr Moana,” McManus stated. After this incident, Moana was never seen again, and his body has not been located.

The prosecution will continue its opening statements on Wednesday, with the trial expected to last eight weeks. The case highlights the serious implications of gang-related violence and drug crime in the region.