Men charged with Korrey Whyman’s murder to stand trial in High Court at Rotorua but date still to be set

Police examine a ute outside The Happy Angler Store & Takeaway after Korrey Whyman was found shot. Photo / Ben Fraser

A trial date is yet to be set for two men charged with the murder of Kawerau mother Korrey Whyman.

Credence Paripari Malcolm, 30, from Rotoiti, appeared in the High Court at Rotorua via audio-visual link, while the second man’s appearance was excused. The second man has interim name suppression.

They are both charged with the murder of Whyman, who was allegedly shot in the head while she was inside a vehicle as it travelled on State Highway 33 towards Mourea in the early hours of September 25 last year.

Crown Solicitor Amanda Gordon said the trial was set down for five weeks but it was not yet known if that was an accurate timeframe because of legal factors.

Justice Neil Campbell asked lawyers for the accused, Scott Mills for Malcolm and Andy Hill for the other man, to hold discussions with the Crown to get an accurate estimate.

The cases will be recalled on November 24 at 9am, when a trial date will be set.

Malcolm was bailed and the other man was remanded in custody.

Whyman, 28, was rushed to hospital after allegedly being shot in the head. She died from her injuries.

Kelly Makiha is a senior journalist who has reported for the Rotorua Daily Post for more than 25 years, covering mainly police, court, human interest and social issues.