Circular saw amputation: Innisfail retiree Kalman Tal, 66, identified as victim in grisly alleged murder
A man who was killed after allegedly asking a Far North fruit picker to amputate his leg with a circular saw has been identified as a much loved pensioner with ongoing health impairments.
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A MAN who was killed after allegedly asking a Far North fruit picker to amputate his leg with a circular saw has been identified as a much loved pensioner with ongoing health impairments.
Innisfail grandfather Kalman Tal, 66, died on the street after allegedly paying a Vanuatu national $5000 to sever his leg below the knee.
He eventually bled out in front of a local takeaway store in a gruesome incident that has shocked the tight-knit coastal town and the nation.
John Yalu, 36, has been charged with his murder.
The devastated family of Mr Tal are reportedly still coming to terms with tragedy and have demanded privacy.
It can be revealed police are investigating whether the victim of the “devastating” and “tragic” crime paid the man to sever his leg because he was suffering from a painful foot ailment.
Police will allege Mr Tal paid to have his leg amputated by Mr Yalu with a circular saw after both men arrived at a park on Fitzgerald Esplanade early Saturday morning.
The saw used in the alleged grisly surgery was owned by the deceased.
The accused allegedly cut off the limb below the knee.
The amputated leg is currently with police and “is forming part of the evidentiary process”, according to Det Act Insp Hunter.
Two pedestrians made the grisly discovery outside an Innisfail fish and chip shop in the early hours of Saturday morning.
He died while in the company of the pair prior to emergency services arriving.
The matter has been adjourned to June 6.
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Originally published as Circular saw amputation: Innisfail retiree Kalman Tal, 66, identified as victim in grisly alleged murder
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