Man charged with manslaughter after review into 2020 death

Police have charged a 21-year-old over a man’s death in 2020. Photo: Michelle Kroll.

Almost five years after a man died in the days following a fight at a southern Canberra gathering, police have made an arrest over his death.

On 12 April 2020, there was a gathering at a home in Banks, an ACT Policing spokesperson said.

A fight broke out on the evening, during which a 46-year-old man was allegedly violently assaulted.

While police and paramedics attended the scene, the police spokesperson said the man refused both further medical treatment and police involvement.

Thirteen days later, on 25 April 2020, the man called an ambulance to his home and a short time later went into cardiac arrest.

“Despite the efforts of paramedics, the man was pronounced deceased at the scene,” the police spokesperson said.

The spokesperson said a post-mortem indicated his death was a result of blunt force trauma.

At the end of an initial investigation, it was determined not to proceed with charges.

Then, in 2024, as part of a normal review of unresolved cases, the ACT Homicide Squad reviewed the matter and decided to reactivate the investigation, pursuing a number of lines of enquiry.

On Thursday (30 January), police raided a home in Banks before arresting a 21-year-old man from the suburb and charging him with manslaughter.

As he was 17 at the time of the man’s death in 2020, he is expected to face the ACT Children’s Court later on Thursday.

Police urge anyone with information about the 2020 incident to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Quote 6525158.