NT Police allege Malak murder occurred over funeral argument

The Tiwi Islands community is in mourning for a second person after funeral preparations turned violent in Darwin.

THE Tiwi Islands community is in mourning for a second person after funeral preparations turned to violence in a Darwin home.

NT Police major crimes ­officer in charge Detective Senior Sergeant Jak Evans confirmed police were ­treating the death of a 42-year-old man in a Malak home as a homicide.

Sgt Evans said police were called to the home about 5.40pm Tuesday following reports of an assault.

The man was ­allegedly found bleeding in the driveway.

Despite CPR being performed the man died at the scene.

Sgt Evans said the man and his alleged attacker were both from the Tiwi Islands and were in Darwin to prepare for a funeral for an extended family member.

Police believe the 42-year-old man and a 28-year-old argued over the ceremonial arrangements when the dispute turned ­violent.

Sgt Evans said the younger man allegedly used a blunt object to repeatedly beat the older man.

He said when the weapon broke he allegedly used it to stab the older man in the abdomen.

Sgt Evans said people at the home tried to intervene to pull the men apart “but it was too late”.

He said the alleged attacker was found uninjured at a nearby address.

Neighbour Deanne Lodge said she heard the screams and yells from the alleged assault from next door.

She said family members tried to protect the older man and called for someone to call an ambulance.

Ms Lodge said he was initially able to stand, before collapsing to the ground.

“He collapsed right back, head first on his head and then the guy who was helping him went and got a towel to stop the bleeding,” she said.

“I knew he wasn’t good because his breathing was very shallow.

“It was very traumatic, just watching him die slowly.

“I went to sleep last night and could hardly sleep, it was just going through my head just constantly.”

Ms Lodge said there was “blood everywhere”, with gashes and marks around his head.

Sgt Evans said the 28-year-old was in custody and expected to be formally charged on Wednesday evening, likely facing murder charges.

With the family now having to prepare a second funeral, Sgt Evans said it was likely to be a devastating time for the community.

“(It’s) definitely an emotional time, all funerals are,” he said.

Sgt Evans said it was also a confronting experience for police, who tried to save the man by performing CPR.

Originally published as NT Police allege Malak murder occurred over funeral argument