Ethan Maurice Macpherson, Kynan Ignacio Vital, are charged with the murder of David Murphy at Springfield Lakes

A medical expert has given evidence on the cause of death of a Springfield man allegedly murdered on his birthday.

Two young men will stand trial in the Supreme Court charged with the murder of Springfield man David Murphy following an alleged confrontation on the streets of Springfield.

Ethan Maurice Macpherson, 20, and Kynan Ignacio Vital, 20, are charged with the murder of David Murphy at Springfield Lakes on the evening of October 19, 2019 – Mr Murphy’s 49th birthday.

It is alleged there was a confrontation involving Vital, Macpherson, Mr Murphy and Bradley Murchie after an dispute involving Vital’s then relationship with Mr Murphy’s daughter Julia.

Following a two-day committal hearing before Ipswich Magistrates Court, with cross-examination of Crown prosecution witnesses, both men were ordered on Thursday afternoon to stand trial in Brisbane at a date to be set.

The men will also stand trial on charges of unlawfully assaulting Bradley Murchie and doing him bodily harm when armed/in company; entering the dwelling of Julia Murphy at Springfield Lakes with intent to commit an offence in the night; and unlawfully assaulting Linda Chou.

Macpherson is also charged with unlawful possession of a weapon, a firearm (category H); and robbery of Julia Murphy, and using personal violence.

Kynan Vital with Julia Murphy, the daughter of David Murphy, who was allegedly murdered in 2019. Picture Supplied

On the second day of the committal hearing, defence barrister Lars Falcongreen (for Macpherson) and barrister Angus Edwards (for Vital) cross-examined forensic pathologist Dr Andrew Kedziora about the injuries Mr Murphy sustained, and the likely cause of death.

When asked by Mr Edwards if observed facial injuries were consistent with a person being hit in the face with a gun, Dr Kedziora said yes.

Dr Kedziora said there were injuries to the back of his head, and agreed that these could be consistent with a person receiving a blow to the face from a gun that knocked him down and causing him to hit the back of his head on the road or gutter.

Dr Kedziora said Mr Murphy had brain injuries that were consistent with a fall backwards and hitting his head.

With regard to cause of death, Dr Kedziora said the injury to the back of the head “is much more significant” than the front (facial) injuries.

“If he only suffered facial injuries?” queried Mr Edwards.

“He may well have survived,” said Dr Kedziora.

“(There was) Serious damage to the skull and brain that was not survivable.”

He was then asked if blunt force injuries to the face were likely to have caused skull fractures.

“I put it to you it was likely caused by the fall where he hit the road,” Mr Edwards said.

“Yes,” Dr Kedziora said.

During cross examination by Mr Falcongreen (for Macpherson) Dr Kedziora said blood and urine samples from Mr Murphy gave alcohol readings of 0.136 and 0.166.

During questioning of a police officer who investigated the death, Mr Edwards questioned the CIB detective about online Facebook posts that had been brought to police attention by Julia Murphy.

Mr Edwards queried why the police investigation had not looked into the posts that witness Bradley Murchie accepted he made.

“Mr Murchie gives his version of what happened that evening, and threatens my client (Vital),” Mr Edwards said.

“I wonder why the things, Mr Murchie’s version of things said don’t form part of the brief (of evidence)?”

“I can’t answer that question,” the investigator said.

“It is a version by a man who was at the scene (that night) and inconsistent to the version he gave to police which is highly relevant,” Mr Edwards said.

“That my client (Vital) begged, asked him to stop (hitting) and tried to reverse. That he held onto the car when reversing.”

Following further comment about what Mr Murchie was alleged to have posted online, the officer conceded there had been an oversight.

A date will be set for trial in Brisbane, which is likely to proceed next year.

Their legal teams consented to the committal order made by Magistrate Dennis Kinsella.

Macpherson was remanded in custody and Vital’s Supreme Court bail was continued.