The jury charged with deciding if Christchurch man David Benbow killed his childhood friend Michael McGrath began deliberations on Monday.
Benbow is on trial for the second time this year, charged with killing McGrath in May 2017.
Prosecutors allege the former prison guard murdered McGrath after finding out he was in a relationship with his ex-partner, however, no body or weapon has ever been found.
But the defence has said there is no evidence of homicide and Benbow is innocent.
"The Crown has failed to prove that Mr Benbow has committed any crime in this case," defence lawyer Kirsten Gray said. "The Crown case is a house of cards built on shaky foundations which if you give it any real probing will simply fall over."
Benbow's first seven-week-long trial earlier this year ended in a hung jury after the seven men and five women could not reach a verdict after four days of deliberations.
