Elizabeth East man, 51, second person arrested over alleged murder of William Holdback at Welland

A man aged in his 50s has appeared in court as the second person charged over the alleged murder of ex-Concordia College student William Holdback.

A northern suburbs man has appeared in court as the second person charged with murder over the death of William Holdback at Welland last week.

Brian Slann, 51, of Elizabeth East, appeared by video link in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Friday afternoon charged with Mr Holdback’s murder and failing to answer questions as to the identity of driver or owner of vehicle.

Mr Slann was arrested in his Elizabeth East home on Friday morning, following continued investigations by Major Crime detectives into the alleged murder of Mr Holdback.

Counsel for Mr Slann told the court his client would not be applying for bail. He was remanded in custody until October, when he will appear alongside co-accused Liam Slann, the first man arrested.

Police will allege that about 12.50am on Wednesday, April 10, emergency services were called to an industrial area on Barrpowell St and found Mr Holdback dying of critical injuries.

Witnesses attempted to render assistance to the former Concordia College student, but he died at the scene.

Police at the scene at Barrpowell Street in Welland where William Holdback was found dead last week. Picture: SA Police

Mr Holdback was a much-loved former Concordia College student. Picture: File

The second arrest comes after Liam Slann, 26, faced the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Monday charged with murder. He is yet to plead to the charge.

Police have previously alleged two people allegedly travelled from Elizabeth East to Welland, travelling along Main North Rd, Grand Junction Rd, South Rd, Grange Rd, Welland Ave to Musgrave St, near where Mr Holdback was found dead.

Police allege the same two travelled back along Welland Ave to South Rd, the Port River Expressway, John Rice Ave and Main North Rd to Elizabeth East, arriving about 1.50am.

A weapon police suspect was used, believed to be a knife, has not yet been found.

Police are urging anyone who found a knife, bloodstained clothing or items of interest along the route to immediately contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.