One of 11 alleged gang murderers of 15-year-old bailed

A man charged with murder of a 15-year-old boy in a horror fight against 11 people has been granted bail after an offer by a woman he has never met in person.

A man charged with murder along with 10 others over the stabbing death of a 15-year-old boy has been granted bail.

Taataa Tafa, 21, was released by Supreme Court justice Paul Coghlan on Tuesday because of concerns about the strength of the case against him, his youth, and the likely delay in the trial.

He is one of 11 charged over the death of Solomone Taufeulungaki on June 16, 2020 in the carpark of Brimbank Shopping Centre and has pleaded not guilty.

Nine co-accused are under the age of 18 and six are in the community; the other adult, Soreysa Jibrael, has not applied for bail.

Justice Coghlan said recorded conversations from prison showed Mr Tafa talking about being involved in gang activity while in prison, including with outlaw motorcycle gangs.

But he said he was prepared to take that as possible “bravado”.

Solomone Taufeulungaki, 15, was allegedly fatally stabbed during a fight against 11 people, including nine children. Picture: GoFundMe

A woman who has never met Mr Tafa, Analega Leleisiuao, offered her home for him to stay in with her two sons aged 17 and 22.

She told the court she wanted Mr Tafa to stay with her “with all my heart”.

“I already bought three new beds for my two boys and Mr Tafa,” she said.

“I already explained to my boys Mr Tafa needs somebody to talk to.

“Maybe one day one of my sons will be in trouble and someone will do the same for my own boys.”

She said she wanted Mr Tafa to see her strong relationship with her sons, and their strict household, as a good influence.

Ms Leleisiuao knows Mr Tafa’s father but has only spoken to the accused murderer on the phone while he has been in jail.

She said she knew he had been a gang member.

Justice Coghlan said the case against the co-accused was “still a bit all over the place” and it could be years before a trial concluded because of Covid-19 delays and the number of people involved.

“They are some good people who have got a bit of trust in you,” he said to Mr Tafa. “Don’t let them down.”

“If there is any suggestion of (gang activity) on bail, your bail will be quickly revoked.”

Mr Tafa will next appear in court on October 11.

Originally published as One of 11 alleged gang murderers of 15-year-old bailed