Police confirm teenager killed in Adelaide Avenue crash wasn't driving

ACT Policing investigations have determined a 15-year-old boy killed in an April crash wasn’t behind the wheel of any vehicles at the time.

A Toyota Camry was found on its roof in Yarralumla on 17 April after it hit a concrete barrier, with the boy ejected from the vehicle.

He suffered critical injuries and later died in hospital.

Investigators later called for information about a second vehicle believed to have been involved in the crash.

ACT Policing Major Collision Team Acting Sergeant Nathan Smorhun said investigations confirmed a stolen black Genesis GV80 SUV is believed to have picked up two people from the scene shortly after the incident occurred.

“There’s been some CCTV footage collected shortly before the collision that shows both vehicles, and shortly after the collision which shows the Genesis leaving the scene,” he said.

“Forensic testing of both vehicles has linked people from both vehicles together.”

The stolen car was found partially burned in Theodore later that day.

Forensic testing of the Camry and Genesis has led investigators to conclude the deceased teenager was not driving the Camry at the time of the fatal crash.

It’s believed one of the two people picked up by the Genesis was the driver of the Camry.

ACT Policing’s Major Collision Team Detective Sergeant Jonathon Turkich said police were closing in on the two people believed to have survived the April crash.

“The information gathered by our investigative team is leading us towards two particular suspects,” he said.

“To those people, I would say now is the time to come forward and take responsibility for your involvement in this tragic incident.

“I understand it is difficult. It must be incredibly stressful to live in fear around your involvement in the death of someone you likely knew as a friend.

“But make no mistake, this will not be going away.”

Police also wish to speak with the driver of the Genesis.

Act Sgt Smorhun said if these people came forward, not only would it potentially provide more answers for the deceased boy’s family, but lift a burden that’s been sitting on their shoulders.

“Obviously being involved in one of these incidents can be very traumatic, it’s understandable that people are not involved in this [type of thing] every day and by seeing these things and experiencing these things, it can put pressure on people that [they] just don’t understand,” he said.

“If they come forward to us and talk to us, there are support services that we can get involved and help them get through this.

“Obviously there’s going to be some questions to be asked, and that’s expected of any investigation, but more importantly we want to make sure that everyone involved is going to make it through this.”

ACT Policing has renewed calls for the two people who were in the Camry when it crashed into the wall to come forward. Police are also seeking anyone who saw the Genesis SUV on the morning of 17 April 2024.

Information can be provided to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, quoting 7726381. Information can be provided anonymously.

Investigations are continuing and it’s still undetermined what charges, if any, could be laid.