Murder charge dropped

Wellington: A High Court trial will not go ahead because a murder charge has been dropped against a man accused of killing a Nomads gang member.

Palmiro MacDonald went missing in March 2016 and his remains were found several months later near a dam behind Shannon in Horowhenua.

Joseph Johnson was charged with murder and was meant to stand trial yesterday at the High Court in Wellington.

However, Justice Rebecca Ellis said yesterday morning the trial would not proceed.

She said there were impediments to conducting a fair trial, but did not elaborate. — RNZ