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Christopher Reyes Gonzaga, 45, is on trial for the murder of Gregory Tan, 45, in Deer Park, Melbourne, in 2024. The prosecution alleges Tan was struck at least 39 times with a machete.
Security camera audio capturing yells and thumping noises in a Deer Park neighbourhood was played in the Victorian Supreme Court on Monday during the murder trial of Christopher Reyes Gonzaga. Gonzaga, 45, is accused of murdering Gregory Tan, 45, in an empty home in western Melbourne in 2024. The jury heard the footage, which recorded the sounds in the early hours of April 15.
Prosecution Alleges Brutal Machete Attack
The Crown alleges that Gonzaga hacked his friend to death with a machete, striking him at least 39 times. Prosecutor Penelope Thorp told the jury that Tan suffered extensive injuries, including to his jugular, carotid artery, and skull. His right hand was partially severed, which the prosecution described as a defensive wound.
Thorp stated that Tan tried to defend himself while the accused struck him in the head with the machete. The court heard that Gonzaga had a gash on his forehead at the time of his arrest, which the Crown alleged was self-inflicted.
Gonzaga has pleaded not guilty to murder. He earlier told police that Tan had threatened him with a screwdriver and that he was acting in self-defence. The pair had been friends for some time, and witnesses reported seeing them use drugs together on multiple occasions, the court was told.
Events After the Alleged Attack
Prosecutors allege that Gonzaga lit two fires in the home after the attack, before leaving and throwing the machete in a drain. The court heard that Tan, his brother, their partners, and another friend lived next door to the home where Tan died.
Prior to his arrest, Gonzaga was filmed on CCTV crouching behind a car parked in a driveway. Thorp alleged that jurors would see he did not have any injuries to his face at that time. While in custody, Gonzaga allegedly admitted to stabbing Tan and accused him and others of having killed the resident of the house they were in by overdosing her in order to rob her. He reportedly said, unfortunately, he made friends with the wrong people.
Trial Continues in Victorian Supreme Court
The trial continues in the Victorian Supreme Court. The jury is expected to consider the evidence, including the security footage and witness testimonies, in the coming days. Gonzaga remains in custody.
Christopher Reyes Gonzaga Gregory Tan Deer Park Victorian Supreme Court Machete Murder Melbourne Trial
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