Overview

• Prosecutors told the WA Supreme Court that Pye offered about $150,000 to have Nick Martin killed and later sent the gunman two coffin emojis and a clapping-hands emoji after the shooting.
• Opening statements alleged a $50,000 cash pre-payment and a post-shooting dispute over money, with the gunman claiming he was paid only half of what he expected.
• The former soldier who carried out the 2020 sniper attack pleaded guilty in 2021 and received a 20-year sentence, and he is expected to give evidence on Thursday.
• Prosecutors also alleged Pye floated other murders-for-hire, including $380,000 to kill a woman in witness protection and an offer to kill a Comanchero in Thailand, while the defense called the gunman a liar and denied any payment or incriminating messages.
• The judge-alone trial is set to run about three weeks under tight security, including glass barriers in court and a heavy police presence.