Logan toolbox killings: Waylon Ngaketo Cowan Walker’s manslaughter conviction overturned

There has been a bombshell development in the gruesome murder of a couple who were shoved into a toolbox and left to die in a “cold, watery grave”.

Police retrieve the toolbox from a dam near Srubby Creek at Logan.

• Photos that sparked horror murder

One of the men jailed over the infamous toolbox murders that shocked Queensland has sensationally had his conviction overturned after seven years in jail.

But he could still be deported from the country.

During a trial in 2021, New Zealand national Waylon Ngaketo Cowan Walker was found guilty of two counts of manslaughter and sentenced to 12 years’ jail for his alleged role in the horrific deaths of Cory Breton and Iuliana Triscaru, dubbed Queensland’s cruellest crime.

In January 2016, the duo were ambushed in a Logan apartment, tied, tortured and finally locked inside a 2m metal toolbox, before being dumped in a murky lagoon at nearby Scrubby Creek.

During a highly publicised trial, jurors were told the pair repeatedly screamed and begged for their lives until they finally died in a “cold, watery grave”.

Nine people were charged over the deaths, with four men found guilty of murder and sentenced to life behind bars.

Walker was also charged with murder, but was found not to have been directly involved in the murders – rather, that he knew Mr Breton was being assaulted inside the Kingston apartment and turned a blind eye before helping to arrange getaway plans for two of the killers.

In sentencing Walker to 12 years’ jail, a judge said Walker had showed no decency and took no action to help Mr Breton.

However lawyers launched an appeal, which was held last year.

Iuliana Triscaru and Cory Breton died a grisly death in a 2m metal toolbox.

In a lengthy submission, it was argued that Walker was not present at any time during the assaults on either of the victims, and there was no evidence he had provided any active assistance by words or conduct regarding the treatment of the victims.

Mobile phone data also showed Walker was 30km away in Redland Bay at the time the toolbox was dumped at Scrubby Creek.

“It is respectfully submitted that there is no evidence that Walker was a party to the intentional or unintentional unlawful killings of the deceased,” the submission for appeal stated.

In a Court of Appeal sitting at Brisbane Supreme Court on Tuesday, Justice Jean Dalton ruled in favour of the appeal, quashing convictions for both manslaughter charges, effectively acquitting Walker of the crimes.

Acting for Walker, high-profile defence solicitor Daniel Hannay from Hannay Lawyers said Tuesday’s ruling was a bittersweet moment.

“He has served almost seven years for a crime he did not commit,” he said.

“However – the fact that he has now had his name cleared and he can sleep in his own bed tonight, will shadow that injustice.”

It is understood the Australian Department of Home Affairs has been notified of the decision and is considering options regarding the immigration status of Walker.

The Courier-Mail has contacted the department for comment.

Originally published as Logan toolbox killings: Waylon Ngaketo Cowan Walker’s manslaughter conviction overturned