Fire Chief and Pathologist Give Evidence in Taranaki "Wild West" Murder Trial

The trial of Stefan Hannon-McGinn and Ethan Howe hears chilling evidence from a fire chief and pathologist regarding the death of Sidney Ross Bridson in a rural "neighbor war."

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 30, 2026, 6:56 AM EDT

Source: RNZ Pacific

The Discovery in the Ruins

Urenui Chief Fire Officer Donald Moratti testified that when he arrived at the scene, the house was "completely flat on the ground." He was approached by two locals including Damien Sandilands, the initial suspect in the case who pointed out a "lump" in the rubble where the lounge would have been. Moratti told the court he initially could not identify the object, but subsequent investigation confirmed it was human remains.

DNA testing later identified the remains as Bridson. Evidence presented by Taumarunui detective Gregory Resink revealed that a butane gas canister was found directly underneath Bridson’s body. While a specialist fire investigator, Christine McGinty, stated the gas was not the primary source of the fire, she noted it likely assisted the combustion.

Forensic Evidence: Shotgun Wound and Rapid Death

Pathologist Dr. Katherine White provided critical details regarding Bridson's final moments. She testified that Bridson, who was already terminally ill with cancer, died from a single shotgun wound to the abdomen. The pellets caused catastrophic damage to his aorta, liver, and kidney, leading to a rapid death.

The Crown’s theory is that Bridson was shot on his deck in the early hours of October 11, 2023, and was subsequently dragged inside before the house was torched. Hannon-McGinn, 28, has admitted to shooting Bridson and pleaded guilty to arson, but he maintains he acted in self-defense. His co-accused, 27-year-old Ethan Howe, denies both the murder and arson charges, arguing that while he was present, he is not criminally responsible.