After a three-year police investigation, Quinton Winders has been sentenced to at least 17 years in jail for killing father of four, George Taiaroa.
But the case appears far from over - Winders' family say he's been framed and his lawyer has told Newshub an appeal against his conviction is imminent.
In the Rotorua High Court, the judge's message was blunt and direct.
"This was a premeditated, cold blooded execution. You beckoned Tairoa to your vehicle and without warning shot Taiaroa through the forehead," said Justice Kit Toogood.
Mr Taiaroa's daughter also addressed the court.
"To me, my dad was perfect, and perfection can never be replaced," Rochai Taiaroa said.
But Winders' family is adamant police got the wrong man.
"Quinton Winders is an innocent man and sadly with great regret this is not closure for either family. We as a family will continue to fight for my brother's freedom and this miscarriage of justice," said Miranda Dallow, Winders' sister.
Mr Taiaroa was shot at point blank range while controlling traffic on a one-lane bridge in Atiamuri in 2013.
The Crown said Winders shot Mr Taiaroa as payback over a minor collision a week before the murder.
Police found a handwritten note which they said were instructions from Winders for his mother to tell people calling up about the accident that we "don't know anything about it".
Winders was seen in the vicinity of the murder scene, was identified as being the driver of a blue Jeep seen speeding away, and he altered the appearance of his Jeep by removing its spare wheel and tow bar.
The case against Winders was circumstantial. A murder weapon was never located. But the judge noted that he had "no doubt" that the bullet which killed Mr Taiaroa came from a rifle registered in Winders name.
The judge said the way in which police initially arrested Winders was unlawful, but that overall the police acted with the highest of standards.
Mr Taiaroa's family says they too have been handed a life sentence.
"He was the fun, the joy, the love, the light of our family. He was the glue that held our family together," said Rochai Taiaroa.
The ordinary bloke who loved fishing and family, gunned down in a calculated killing - a case which could yet face further scrutiny within the walls of this courthouse.
Newshub.
