Jury still out in trial over exorcism death

The jury is still deliberating early this evening on whether eight people are responsible for the death of a mother-of-two during a curse lifting ceremony.

Wainuiomata mother Janet Moses, 22, died on October 12, 2007, after attempts to lift a makutu, or curse, on her.

The jury has been deliberating for more than 14 hours after retiring at 11am yesterday.

The eight people accused of Ms Moses' manslaughter were all members of her whanau.

A ninth defendant was discharged on Wednesday for lack of evidence.

A man and woman with permanent name suppression have also been charged with cruelty towards a 14-year-old girl during the makutu ceremony.

- NZPA