Danielle Rogers, ex-partner of alleged murder victim Steve Murphy, speaks out after accused appear in court
The friends and family of alleged murder victim Steven Murphy have paid tribute to him outside court – while his alleged killer’s friends made a show of support inside.
SA News
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Alleged murder victim Steven Murphy has been remembered as a loveable “ratbag” and devoted father, while his accused killer’s friends have made a show of support in court.
On Tuesday, supporters of both Mr Murphy and former Trinity College vice-captain Marco Anthony Yandle gathered outside the Adelaide Magistrates Court.
Four young men, who identified themselves to court staff as friends of Mr Yandle, sat talking prior to their friend’s video link appearance, asking if he would be able to see them.
A group of Mr Murphy’s longtime school friends, meanwhile, sat in a nearby witness waiting room remembering their friend.
Asking they not be named, they told The Advertiser they were struggling to process the loss of Mr Murphy.
They said the former Kadina High student was a carpet layer, motorcycle enthusiast, a “ratbag who could instantly melt you with those eyes” and a devoted father.
“We want people to know Steve was not a bad person, he was living rough and squatting to try and be close to his kids,” they said.
“He was an amazing person who would help anyone – he was a quiet, gentle soul who was doing an amazing job raising his sons.”
Mr Murphy’s former partner, Danielle Rogers, did not attend Tuesday’s hearing.
In a social media post, she asked for privacy and understanding from the public.
“Steve was my loving partner for 20 years and we have two beautiful children together,” she wrote.
“The hardest part about all this was having to tell my boys that their father is no longer with us.
“Watching my boys break down in tears because someone had taken their dad from us was heartbreaking … we have just lost a big part of us.”
Marco, 19, and his father Keith Russell Yandle, 46, both of Kudla, have yet to plead to one count each of murder.
Keith did not apply for bail on Tuesday, while Marco’s application was refused by Magistrate Justin Wickens.
Marco did not appear to notice or acknowledge his friends, who sat in the back row of the court, during the hearing.
The young men did not comment as they left court, and ran across Victoria Square when questioned by reporters.
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