National MP Nikki Kaye's step-brother Clinton Thinn has been found guilty of murder in the United States.
Thinn, 31, was found guilty of strangling his cellmate Lyle Woodward with a prison shirt in December 2016, RadioNZ reports.
Woodward was found alive but unconscious in his cell. He was declared brain dead and life support was switched off a week later.
Thinn's lawyer argued he acted in self-defence against Woodward and should have been acquitted. He's not yet been sentenced but could face life imprisonment for the murder.
Ms Kaye said the situation is "really tough".
"It's an incredibly sad and difficult time for all the families affected by this," she said on Tuesday morning.
"I'm very conscious of separating my role as a Member of Parliament and as family member," Ms Kaye said.
Ms Kaye said due to legal considerations, she had to be careful commenting on the case.
According to local paper The Star News, Thinn showed little reaction when the verdict was read out.
Newshub.
