Eight teenagers have been charged with murder after a 21-year-old man died following an alleged assault linked to a large house party south of Brisbane, Queensland Police say.
Police allege the group arrived at a rented home in Bahrs Scrub, in Logan, armed with various weapons and sharing a plan to harm people at the address. The allegations have not been tested in court.
Eight accused now facing murder charge
Jongkuch Kur Jongkuch, from Redbank Plains, was found unconscious with critical head injuries on Orchard Avenue on July 26. Emergency services had been called after reports of an out-of-control gathering at a nearby property on Discovery Boulevard.
Mr Jongkuch, 21, was taken for medical treatment but died on August 1. Police said he had been at the party before the group accused of his murder arrived.
Four teenagers were charged late last week. Police announced a further four murder charges after additional arrests, bringing the total number of accused to eight. They range in age from 17 to 19.
Three 18-year-old men arrested on Sunday had their cases mentioned in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Monday and did not apply for bail. A 17-year-old accused was expected to appear in the Brisbane Children’s Court.
The four people charged earlier also remain in custody. Seven of the eight accused are due to return to court on August 24, according to information released by police and reported from the court proceedings.
Police allege a planned confrontation
Detective Inspector Ian Galpin said investigators would allege the teenagers had a “preconceived plan” and armed themselves before attending the Bahrs Scrub address with a common purpose of inflicting harm.
Police have not publicly detailed the weapons they allege were carried. Detective Inspector Galpin also declined to confirm whether investigators believed the incident was gang-related, although the Queensland Police Organised Crime Gangs Group is assisting with the inquiry.
A 22-year-old has separately been charged with contravening an order to provide information needed to access electronically stored material. That charge forms part of the broader investigation but is distinct from the murder allegations announced against the eight teenagers.
Investigators have said they are confident there will not be retaliation. Police liaison officers have been working with community leaders and residents to address concerns following the death and arrests.
Community leaders urge focus on individual responsibility
Queensland African Communities Council president Beny Bol said the impact of the death was being felt by an interconnected community around Australia. He urged the public not to treat the alleged conduct as representative of a culture or community.
Mr Bol said responsibility should rest with the individuals involved and that members of the African community were travelling to support people affected by the incident. He also expressed hope that the justice process would take its course.
Detective Inspector Galpin thanked community representatives for cooperating with investigators, saying their assistance had helped police reach the current stage of the inquiry and reduce community tension.
Case now before Queensland courts
The laying of a murder charge is the start of the court process, not a finding of guilt. Each accused person is entitled to the presumption of innocence, and prosecutors will be required to prove the allegations beyond reasonable doubt.
Because one accused is 17, legal restrictions may limit the identification of that person and the reporting of proceedings in the Children’s Court. The remaining cases will continue through Queensland’s adult court system.
Police inquiries into the party, the events leading to Mr Jongkuch’s injuries and the alleged roles of those charged remain ongoing. Authorities have asked anyone with relevant information or footage who has not already spoken with investigators to contact Queensland Police or Crime Stoppers.
