12.00pm
Lower Hutt man Nika Arthur Abraham pleaded not guilty to murdering Kate Alkema when he appeared at the High Court in Wellington this morning.
Mrs Alkema, 36, of Lower Hutt, went missing while taking a walk along the Hutt River on April 13 last year.
Her brother found her strangled body near
the river the same afternoon.
Justice Ron Young told the court 100 witnesses were to be called during the trial, expected to last between three and four weeks.
Witnesses included Mrs Alkema's family members, police, scientists and medical professionals.
Before the jury was selected, Justice Young told the panel he understood they were likely to have read or seen previous media coverage of the case.
However, he only ruled out those who had participated in a police canvas during the investigation or had any connection with the accused, facts of the case or witnesses.
Abraham, 21, dressed in a grey suit with his hair in a ponytail, spoke quietly but clearly when he pleaded not guilty.
A short recess was called at 11am so jury members could ensure they did not know any of the witnesses to be called.
- NZPA
