Flowers left at an Onehunga bus stop at the time of Bernice Marychurch's death. Photo: RNZ/Nick Monro
The man charged with murdering a woman on an Auckland bus a year ago has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity.
Bernice Louise Marychurch was killed on the Number 74 bus travelling through Onehunga in October 2024.
The man charged with her murder, Kael Leona, handed himself in to authorities shortly after.
In the High Court at Auckland on Wednesday morning, Leona's lawyer entered a not guilty plea by reason of insanity on his behalf.
Bernice Moneychurch Photo: Facebook
Leona himself was not present in court.
He was remanded in custody until his trial in March.
The killing sparked a significant response from transport officials, with Auckland Transport deploying extra transport officers for the route the bus was taking at the time.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon also commented on the crime, saying he was "incredibly saddened and shocked".
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