Crown prosecutors have described the historical murder of Angela Blackmoore as a contract killing.
They allege David Peter Hawken ordered the hit, and co-accused Rebecca Wright-Meldrum used her friendship with the victim to gain access to her house.
Hawken and Wright-Meldrum are standing trial for a crime committed last century, both charged with murder over the killing of 21-year-old Blackmoore in 1995.
"Angela Blackmoore sustained a total of 39 wounds to head, neck, chest, abdomen and limbs," said Crown prosecutor Mitchell McClenaghan.
Crown prosecutors allege Hawken was a debt collector with gang connections who tried to take over property co-owned between the victim and her ex-husband, and that he ordered the hit.
They allege he offered $10,000 to Jeremy Powell who was jailed two years ago for the murder.
"He told police that he carried out the killing under instruction by David Hawken," said McClenaghan.
Wright-Meldrum is alleged to have assisted with the killing.
"Rebecca Wright-Meldrum using her friendship with the victim to gain entry into the house," McClenaghan told the court.
Prosecutors say on the night of August 17, 1995, the pair were let into the Vancouver Crescent house by Blackmoore.
McClenaghan told the court Powell was armed with a bat and knife.
"When they got inside Angela Blackmoore offered them a coffee. She then went into the kitchen and Ms Wright-Meldrum indicated to Mr Powell to attack."
Defence counsels challenged the reliability of the Crown's events.
"Whether Mr Powell is credible or reliable when he said Ms Wright-Meldrum was with him when he murder Ms Blackmoore," said defence lawyer Stephanie Grieve KC.
"David Hawken had no motive to have Angela Blackmoore killed, would not gain from her death," added defence lawyer Anne Stevens KC.
Late in the day, Laurie Anderson, Blackmoore's partner at the time, was called as the second witness. He found her body.
"I saw Angela laid out in the dining room on her back, blood everywhere."
He told the court there were no signs of a break-in.
"That was the very first time I had left her alone."
Anderson will continue giving evidence on Wednesday.
