Detectives from the Logan Criminal Investigation Branch and Homicide Unit attached to Operation Victor Vermillion, have arrested and charged two teenage boys with murder in relation to the death of a 20-year-old man in Underwood early yesterday morning, Friday February 24.
Investigators executed a search warrant at a Mount Gravatt East address late yesterday afternoon, where a 15-year-old local boy was arrested.
A short time later a 16-year-old Logan boy was arrested at a Millaroo Drive, Helensvale shopping centre, where police also recovered a black Audi sedan which was the subject of an earlier appeal in the centre’s carpark.
The vehicle was last night towed from the scene to a forensic facility where it is undergoing analysis.
The boys were taken into custody without incident and were overnight charged with one count each of murder (child under 18).
The 15-year-old boy was also charged with one court of fail to provide access to data (electronics).
The 16-year-old boy was also charged with one count of possess dangerous drugs – cannabis (child under 18).
Their bail has been denied and they will appear in Brisbane Childrens Court.
South Eastern Regional Crime Co-ordinator Detective Superintendent Brendan Smith said the circumstances of the alleged murder were both harrowing and confronting for the victim’s family, community, and first responders alike.
‘Investigators have worked around the clock to apprehend this pair and bring them before the courts. Our thoughts remain with the victim’s family who are reeling from this extremely traumatic incident where we allege a young man of just twenty has been senselessly lost to violence,’ Detective Superintendent Smith said.
‘The young ages of the pair in custody is certainly confronting and the community rightfully denounces this type of lethal violence and police stand with them in condemning this alleged horrific act.’
Detective Superintendent Smith addressed speculation and community concerns the alleged murder was gang related.
‘After running out extensive inquiries, I am satisfied this incident has no connection to organised crime or gang activity,’ he said.
‘I’d like to renew the call for witnesses, especially those with dashcam vision or CCTV of the incident to come forward and encourage anyone else with information to make contact with police, noting anonymous reports could be made.
‘In particular, we are seeking footage of the black Audi sedan bearing Queensland Registration 448GF5 with a distinctive off-centre front number plate hanging at an angle travelling from around 7am between QEII Hospital on the Cnr of Kessels and Troughton Roads, Coopers Plains up to 4pm to a Millaroo Drive, Helensvale shopping centre.
‘Every piece of information helps investigators, no matter how small or insignificant you may feel it is.’
Investigators were initially called just after 1am, Friday February 24 to Fermont Road following reports a man had been stabbed.
On arrival officers located a 20-year-old man unresponsive.
Police and emergency services attempted to assist the man, but he died at the scene.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
