Balin Stewart death: details emerge into alleged stabbing murder

Further details have emerged about an alleged ‘personal dispute’ between two teenagers that cost a much-loved Sunshine Coast teen his life and left another facing murder charges.

A popular Sunshine Coast Grammar student and his accused killer have been described as “clean skins” who were not known to police before their allegedly deadly fight which has torn apart two families.

Tributes online have continued to flood in for Balin Stewart, 16, who was allegedly stabbed to death outside his house in Buddina on Thursday night.

Loved ones have described the Year 11 student as “kind hearted, adventurous and happy” while a flower tribute also began to mount outside his Iluka Ave home.

A 17-year-old boy was on Friday charged with murder.

Sunshine Coast child protection and investigation unit officer-in-charge Phil Hurst told the Daily on Saturday the alleged fatal dispute had destroyed two families.

He said neither Balin nor the accused were known to police, describing them as “clean skins”.

“Neither of these boys moved in the circles who come into contact with police,” Detective Senior Sergeant Hurst said.

“Not that sort of kid. They’re clean skins.”

The incident has left Balin’s friends and family heartbroken with hundreds of tributes flowing online.

“You were so respected by everyone around you and you lit up the room with happiness and humour when you were with us. You will always be remembered as the kind hearted, adventurous, funny and thoughtful best friend in the next street over from me,” a friend posted to Instagram.

“You were a beautiful soul who brought so many amazing memories to our lives, every moment with you was a blast and I hope you’re in a peaceful place,” another tribute read.

“This is honestly just heartbreaking. You truly were one of my best friends and always made me feel so happy. You were such a fun and happy person,” a friend’s post read.

“Made so many great memories with you Balin, so sad to see it come to an end so quickly, it’s unbelievable. I will always treasure you as a friend,” said another.

Detective Senior Sergeant Phil Hurst said the alleged incident was a tragedy.

Sergeant Hurst alleged the “personal dispute” turned into a “physical altercation” between Balin and the accused after they arranged to meet through social media.

He said a weapon was allegedly pulled and Balin was fatally stabbed in the torso.

“If it had stopped at a physical altercation (the death) might not have happened,” he said.

“Once knives are involved you can get these lethal outcomes. Now two families are affected. The alleged offender’s family is devastated too.”

Paramedics were called to the scene about 11.20pm on Thursday.

Family, friends and neighbours tried desperately to resuscitate Balin to no avail with one friend saying he had died “in their arms”.

People attend the address at Iluka Avenue at Buddina where a boy was allegedly stabbed to death late on Thursday night. Picture: Lachie Millard

Sergeant Hurst praised the actions of the Buddina community that tragic night.

“The parents came out and had to try and revive their son, it was absolutely horrific. Then there was a torrential downpour and a lot of neighbours came out to assist with towels and umbrellas,” he said.

“It was just tragic.”

Sergeant Hurst said the accused stayed at the scene and helped police with their inquiries.

He said the boy did not make a bail application and was due to face court on March 30.