28 March 2019

Teen charged with murder after elderly man dies following Palmerston attack

| Lachlan Roberts
Join the conversation
5

A 17-year-old boy has now been charged with murder following the death of an 82-year-old man.

Around 10:15 pm on 15 March, police received a call for assistance to an assault occurring in Tamborine Close, Palmerston. It is alleged the boy randomly attacked three people in their vehicle as they arrived home.

When police arrived at the scene, officers used pepper spray to subdue the teenager before a number of officers restrained him.

Three victims were transported to hospital, including an 82-year-old man with critical injuries.

The 82-year-old succumbed to his injuries earlier this week and as a result, a fresh charge of murder was laid against the teenager. This is in addition to existing charges relating to threats to kill, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, assault occasioning grievous bodily harm and obstruction of a Territory official.

He is next scheduled to appear in the Children’s Court on 8 April 2019.

Police would still like to speak with anyone who saw (or has CCTV footage) of the boy in the area of Tamborine Close and surrounding streets prior to 10.15pm on Friday, 15 March 2019.

Anyone who may have any information that could assist police should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website.

Please quote reference 6374403. Information can be provided anonymously.

Join the conversation

5
All Comments
  • All Comments
  • Website Comments
LatestOldest

If the victim was a politician or a high profile person, it would triggered an urgent review of the criminal law to include harsher punishment. But normal mum and dad victims, law favours the criminals rather than victims. It is time to overhaul our legal system.

If our laws were tough on crime the audacity of criminals would never been this high. Such sickening attacks perpetrated by animals on innocents get a softer side of the judgement. Three lives brutally affected and what will he get? 6-7 years then parole or youth detention at worst.

Roo, I don’t know the family or the person and am not trying to defend his actions. I do not know the circumstances surrounding the incident.
But do you believe mental illness is real? Do you believe a mentally ill person should be locked up & ignored like a common criminal? How about lobotomisation? Electro Shock Therapy?

I agree 100% we need to get tougher on criminals but more importantly I think we need better understanding and support for people and families with mental health issues.

I put it to you a person doesn’t just randomly go up a car and stab 3 people unless there is other issues going on.

Before we crucify this person and their family in the press & social media how about we take a step back and offer support where it’s needed, the victims family.

Why don’t we get to the source of the problem. It is a drug fuelled attack. Who supplied the man with drugs? Who is selling drugs in ACT under the nose of police. Why is ACT not doing anything to dismantle bikie establishments and other drug dealers who call it home.

my 2 predictions on what will come out of the court case: “drug-induced psychosis” and “not guilty on the grounds of diminished responsibility”

Daily Digest

Want the best Canberra news delivered daily? Every day we package the most popular Riotact stories and send them straight to your inbox. Sign-up now for trusted local news that will never be behind a paywall.

By submitting your email address you are agreeing to Region Group's terms and conditions and privacy policy.