Jury told accused killer claimed machete attack on friend was self-defence
Gonzaga told police he acted in self-defence striking Gregory Tan with a machete, but prosecutors deny he was injured.
Christopher Reyes Gonzaga is on trial in Victorian Supreme Court for the murder of Gregory Tan, 45, in the early hours of April 14, 2024, in a Deer Park home. Gonzaga struck Tan dozens of times with a machete before setting the property on fire and leaving.
Gonzaga later called emergency services several times, first urging police to arrest him, then calling for an ambulance and claiming someone had tried to stab him. After arrest, Gonzaga told police he struck Tan in self-defence because Tan threatened him with a screwdriver.
Prosecutors say Gonzaga was not injured during the attack and did not act in self-defence. CCTV footage showed both men entering the house alone at 1.48am, followed by repeated yelling and thumping, before Gonzaga left at 2.12am.
Tan was found face-down in a pool of blood with wounds to his head, neck, back, torso and arms.
- Gregory Tan, 45
- Victim
- Christopher Reyes Gonzaga, 45
- Accused
Why it mattersThe jury must decide whether the evidence supports self-defence or if Gonzaga's injuries claim and his own emergency calls reveal a different story.
AustraliaThis Victorian murder trial is being heard in Melbourne and reflects ongoing violence within social circles and how self-defence claims are tested in court.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
Open this story in InSnip →
