The jury in the murder trial of Wang Baochang has been discharged, and a new trial will have to be held.
Bao Chang Wang - known as Ricky Wang - has been missing since 2017. Photo: Supplied / NZ Police
Zhao Jianqi and Gu Zhicheng (known as Michael) are charged with murdering Wang Bao Chang (known as Ricky) in August 2017.
Wang's body was found set in concrete in the central North Island two-and-a-half years after he went missing.
The Crown alleged Wang was murdered by Gu in Auckland at Zhao's direction, and others disposed of his body hundreds of kilometres away.
The men deny any involvement in Wang's death, with lawyers for both claiming the Crown case is based on evidence given by one man, Tony Piao, who is lying.
Zhao Jianqi (left) and Gu Zhicheng (known as Michael). Photo: RNZ / Jordan Bond
Three men have already pleaded guilty to helping hide the body - Yu Gaoxiang, Piao Yanlong (Tony), Zhang Yuzhen.
Today, after a week of evidence, the trial judge Justice Lang discharged the jury for reasons which can't be reported.
The trial was aborted and Zhao and Gu remain in custody ahead of another trial date being set.