Two state witnesses took the stand today in the murder trial of Simon McCartney who is charged with the murder of his wife Ashika Lata in Deuba in October last year.

Upon cross examination by DPP lawyer Paulini Waqanavosa, witness Briana Vatucicila told High Court Judge Justice Danial Goundar that on 22nd October last year around 7pm, she was walking along the Queens Highway with a friend Anasaini Tavola when she saw a white rental car.

Briana said she then left her friend on the other side of the road and crossed over near the car and saw a white skinned man wearing blue jeans and brown sandals crouching over a woman who was lying on the ground.

The DPP lawyer then showed her a blue coloured jeans and pair of brown sandals in court which she recognized as the one the man was wearing.

She returned to her friend and told her what she saw and they both went to a friend's house nearby.

However, defense lawyer Sevuloni Valenitabua also cross examined Briana and argued that she made up her stories as at 7pm it was quite dark to see anything.

He added that the witnesses gave two different statements to police.

Second state witness Anasaini Tavola also took an oath and gave evidence that she only saw a white car parked on the side of the Queens Road and added she heard someone screaming before going to a friend's house.

The case continues in the High Court in Suva where other prosecution witnesses are giving evidence.

Ashika Lata's body was found in Deuba on 4th November last year.