Keith Yandle murder trial over Kudla shooting death of Steven Murphy to start in three months
The man charged with murder at a Kudla shed will stand trial in three month’s time – but how that case proceeds may be impacted by testimony provided by his son.
Police & Courts
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The alleged Kudla shed murderer’s trial could be determined by his state of mind at the time of the fatal shooting – and whether or not his son gives evidence in the case.
On Monday, counsel for Keith Yandle told the Supreme Court their client had yet to decide whether or not he would face trial by jury, or by a judge sitting alone.
Under SA law, that choice – known as an “election” – is solely the decision of an accused, but must be made before the trial commences.
Sam McDonough, for Yandle, said his client needed more time to finalise his instructions.
“A number of inquiries are being undertaken by defence, and one of them may inform the decision as to the election,” he said.
“I’m not instructed to disclose what that might be.”
The Advertiser understands one of the inquiries being made is psychological, relating to what Yandle’s state of mind was at the time Steven Murphy was shot.
The second inquiry concerns Yandle’s son, Marco, who has already been penalised after admitting to a role in events following the shooting.
It is understood a decision has yet to be made, by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, as to whether Marco will be called to give evidence in the matter.
Yandle, 46, has pleaded guilty to manslaughter, but not guilty to murder, over the shooting death of Mr Murphy at Kudla in April 2023.
He has also pleaded guilty to hiding Mr Murphy’s remains in a 15m pit beneath the shed in which, prosecutors allege, he shot and killed the “cowering, defenceless” man.
Yandle’s son, Marco, is serving a suspended 2 ½-year sentence for having covered up the incident.
On Monday, Mr McDonough said he “should have” the results of the inquiries “before Christmas”, and asked for a further pre-trial hearing in December.
Prosecutors did not oppose the adjournment, and Justice Anne Bampton remanded Yandle in custody.
The content summaries were created with the assistance of AI technology, then edited and approved for publication by an editor.
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