Kingsley Alley Jr murder trial: Melissa Clancy, Madison Butler, Dechlan Wurramarra and teen plead not guilty

More than 25 witnesses will be called to piece together the murky circumstances that led to a teenager’s body being discovered abandoned on a Palmerston driveway. Latest from the trial.

Kingsley 'Junior' Alley was allegedly murdered at Palmerston on October 8, 2022.

More than 25 witnesses will be called to piece together the murky circumstances that led to a teenager’s body being discovered abandoned on a Palmerston driveway.

Melissa Jane Clancy, 39, and her 20-year-old daughter Madison Butler, Dechlan Wurramarra, 22, and a teenager – who cannot be named for legal reasons – were all charged with the October 8, 2022 murder of Kingsley Alley Jr.

18-year-old Kingsley 'Junior' Alley holding his newborn daughter Eleanor, with step-mum Kylie Simmonds. Kingsley was allegedly murdered at Palmerston on October 8, 2022.

One by one the four co-accused stood before more than 100 witnesses in the Supreme Court on Monday to formally declare their not guilty pleas.

Justice Peter Barr told the packed courtroom gallery that since there were four people on trial, there needed to be a significantly larger pool of potential jurors, with more than 100 Territorians called for the duty.

“The criminal justice system depends heavily on the role of members of the community to serve on juries,” Justice Barr said.

“It is sometimes personally inconvenient, sometimes stressful, sometimes difficult.

“But in order for the system to function as effectively as it does, we call upon a cross section of the community to be involved in jury service.

“Possibly, this will be one of the most important civic functions that any of you might have to carry out.”

Madison Butler, 18, left, Butle’s mother Melissa Jane Clancy, 37, Dechlan Wurramarra, 20, and a teenager (not pictured) were all charged with murder.

Prosecutor Steve Ledek said at least 25 witnesses were expected to give evidence over the four-week murder trial, including friends and family of the accused, eye witnesses and neighbours, as well as investigating officers and forensic pathologists.

Mr Ledek said there were another 10 people who may be called to give evidence if required.

Jury selection took up most of the first day of the trial, with the judge’s directions to the jury expected to be delivered Monday afternoon.

The trial continues on Tuesday.

Originally published as Kingsley Alley Jr murder trial: Melissa Clancy, Madison Butler, Dechlan Wurramarra and teen plead not guilty