Latest in Kyogle cult leader murder court case

Matters are slowly progressing in the case of a then 17-year-old accused of killing the former leader of a secretive religious sect at a Kyogle property.

Chen - also known as Scott - Czarnecki, 64, died in the allegedly deliberately lit fire at his rural property at Smiths Creek, 40 kilometres north west of Lismore, on August 15. CREDIT: Channel 9

The case against a teenager accused of murdering a former cult leader in Kyogle is slowly progressing.

The now 18-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is charged with murder, inappropriately interfering with a corpse and destroying property.

At age 17, the teen was arrested in August following an investigation into a house fire at Smiths Creek on August 16.

Emergency crews had been called to reports of a fire at a property on Smiths Creek Rd, Smiths Creek, west of Kyogle.

It is alleged the body of 64-year-old Chen Czarnecki – also known as Scott – was found in the remnants of the home, according to court documents.

Mr Czarnecki was a former leader of the twelve Tribes in Picton, which was known for its harsh disciplining of young children.

Chen - also known as Scott - Czarnecki, 64, died in the allegedly deliberately lit fire at his rural property at Smiths Creek, 40km north west of Lismore, on August 15. CREDIT: Channel 9

He had reportedly moved to northern NSW after leaving the controversial sect about a decade ago.

The teen appeared in Lismore Children’s Court on Friday, July 30.

All three charges are now certified before the court and the matter is now listed for further committal mention.

The teen, who remains in custody, is yet to enter any formal pleas to any of his charges and did not apply for bail on Friday.

Magistrate Paul McMahon adjourned the matter until October 8 where the 18-year-old can appear via videolink.