13 August 2020

Search uncovers weapon linked to murder of Comancheros boss

| Michael Weaver
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Finding the knife

Investigators with the knife they believe is connected to the murder of Pitasoni Ulavalu. Photos: Supplied.

ACT Policing Criminal Investigations detectives have located a knife they believe is connected to the murder of Canberra Comancheros commander Pitasoni Ulavalu.

Ulavalu died after he was stabbed in the neck when a brawl broke out inside the Kokomo’s nightclub in Civic before spilling onto the street in the early hours of Sunday, 19 July.

The knife was located about 300 metres from the last known location of the person police allege is responsible for the murder.

Map of knife's location

The knife was located about 300 metres from the last known location of the person police allege is responsible for the murder.

The recovery of a potential murder weapon comes as a fourth man was arrested yesterday in relation to the wild brawl that resulted in the death of Ulavalu.

READ MORE Fourth man arrested in relation to stabbing of ACT Comanchero’s boss Pitasoni Ulavalu

This item will undergo forensic analysis.

A search of the inner north suburbs of Braddon and Turner commenced on Thursday (6 August) and concluded on Tuesday (11 August). It involved a thorough search of stormwater drains in the area.

The large-scale search was supported by members from AFP Search and Rescue, AFP Maritime Divers, the ACT Emergency Services Agency, a large contingent of SES and RFS volunteers, technicians from Flexible Drains Australia, and the ACT Government Roads, Maintenance, and Storm Water Department.

Lead investigator Detective Superintendent Scott Moller said the search was another successful step in the investigation.

The knife police found

The knife will undergo forensic analysis.

“To follow up the three arrests we made last week with the discovery of the knife is a positive endorsement of our investigative strategy for this case,” Detective Superintendent Moller said.

“I would like to thank all the police personnel and other agencies that took part in the search, both above and below ground.

“This search was targeted and the investigation is continuing.”

CCTV frame of the suspect

Last captured CCTV image of a person of interest in the murder.

ACT Policing is also seeking dashcam footage from anyone who was travelling through streets to the west of Northbourne Avenue, between Barry Drive and Wakefield Avenue, Turner, between 12:00 am and 1:00 am on Sunday, 19 July. Anyone with footage should contact ACT Policing Operations on 131 444.

“Anyone who may have any information in relation to the murder of Pitasoni Ulavalu is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via the website. Information can be provided anonymously.

“Rewards of up to $1000 may be applicable for information provided to Crime Stoppers that assists in apprehending an offender or solving a crime,” Det Supt Moller said.

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Capital Retro8:12 am 14 Aug 20

There is an enormous amount of police resources being used to action the deeds of one “community” group which the rest of us don’t really care about yet they are still flourishing in Canberra at the behest of a few misguided polititians.

What I care about is the total lack of police response to waves of car break-ins where the damage is usually greater in cost than the items stolen. The police will not attend or investigate and concede that this happens a lot while passing on a PROMIS number for an insurance claim which is usually useless because the damage is under the excess.

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