15-year-old granted bail after murder charge in Brisbane carjacking case

In July, police arrested a 15-year-old and six other youths in connection with a violent assault and theft that ended with a 27-year-old being run over in Kelvin Grove, Brisbane. Initially charged with robbery and grievous bodily harm, the teen’s offence was upgraded to murder after the victim died in August. During a bail hearing, video evidence displayed the teen punching and kicking the man, though his lawyer maintained he was merely a passenger.

Judge Anthony Rafter, citing the strong evidence of involvement, granted bail on conditions that include an ankle monitoring device, a 24-hour curfew, and prohibitions on contacting co-accused or witnesses. The teen’s mother offered a $40,000 surety, and he must be accompanied by a parent or a Department of Youth Justice representative when leaving home. An autopsy report remains pending, leaving the exact cause of death undetermined.