Murder trial

The trial of the man accused of murdering Connor Morris will begin a year to the day the 26-year-old died in West Auckland from a fatal head injury suffered during a confrontation outside a party. Michael Thrift Murray, 33, was charged with Mr Morris’ murder and his trial starts in the High Court at Auckland on August 3. Mr Morris’ family and friends, including members of the Head Hunters gang he was linked to, will hold a memorial ride for him on August 1.