Teen charged with manslaughter after allegedly driving stolen car at 120 km/h before fatal crash

A teenager has been charged with manslaughter after he allegedly drove a stolen car at 120 km/h before he lost control and caused a crash that resulted in the death of a young boy earlier this year.

In addition to manslaughter, the 15-year-old, who legally can’t be named due to his age, has been charged with leaving the scene without rendering assistance, dangerous driving, unlicensed driving, taking a motor vehicle without consent, driving a stolen motor vehicle and speeding before he was refused bail on Tuesday (27 August).

It is alleged he was driving a Toyota Camry when it left the road, hit a concrete barrier and was found on its roof in the middle of Adelaide Avenue in Yarralumla at around 5 am on 17 April 2024.

A 15-year-old boy had been ejected from the car and was found nearby with critical injuries. He later died in hospital.

Police alleged a stolen Genesis GV80 SUV picked up two people from the scene shortly after the crash – including the person who had been behind the wheel of the Camry.

This Genesis SUV was found partially burned out in Theodore.

Officers with ACT Policing raided four homes across Canberra this week, arresting a 15-year-old boy and two men over their alleged roles in the incident.

On Tuesday (27 August), the ACT Children’s Court heard the 15-year-old allegedly drove the stolen Camry at 120 km/h in an 80 km/h zone, lost control and then crashed.

He also allegedly fled the scene without helping the injured boy, who later died.

Prosecutor Soraya Saikal-Skea, who opposed bail, said it was an emotional and devastating matter for many involved.

“He’s now facing an incredibly serious charge for such a young person,” she said.

The 15-year-old’s defence lawyer, Natasha Goode, argued it was “certainly unclear as to how the young person is identified as to being the driver”.

However, a police officer told the court it was alleged that the teen’s DNA had been found on the driver’s side airbags of the Camry.

Magistrate James Stewart said the 15-year-old had allegedly shown “a demonstrated lack of care” to the boy who died after the crash, as well as a “deep disregard” for the others alleged to be involved in the incident.

The magistrate thought there was an “extreme risk” of the teen allegedly reoffending if he was released on bail.

Bail was refused and the matter was adjourned to September. No pleas were entered.

A 20-year-old Chisolm man alleged to have been a passenger in the Camry at the time of the crash also faced the ACT Magistrates Court on Tuesday afternoon.

He was charged with being an accessory after the fact, riding in a stolen motor vehicle, driving a stolen motor vehicle, unlicenced driving and exceeding the speed limit.

He did not apply for bail, although the court heard there were plans for a possible bail application later this week.

People in the courtroom during the hearing called out things like “love you” and “see you” as he was led out of the court and taken back into custody.

A 20-year-old Hume man is alleged to be the driver of the Genesis that picked up the occupants of the Camry.

He has been issued a court attendance notice for being an accessory after the fact, arson, dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, driving a stolen motor vehicle and three counts of speeding. He will face court at a later date.

Superintendent of Road and Proactive Policing Brian Diplock said he wanted “to acknowledge the tragic circumstances surrounding this incident, where a 15-year-old boy sadly lost his life”.

“I would like to thank the investigators that worked meticulously throughout the last four months to determine the events that occurred that morning,” he said.

“In addition, I would also like to thank the public for their assistance. We have appealed to the community in relation to this incident several times and received valuable information that greatly assisted investigators as a result.”

Six people have died after crashes on Canberra’s roads this year.

If you or someone you know needs help, you can contact:

Lifeline’s 24-hour crisis support line – 13 11 14
Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467
Kids Helpline – 1800 551 800
MensLine Australia – 1300 789 978.