Manslaughter charge expected after man dies in altercation on Parafield Gardens street

A late-night altercation has allegedly escalated to involve a neighbour, leaving one man dead and another likely to be charged with manslaughter.

Police and emergency services scour Chesser St in Parafield Gardens for evidence this morning. Picture: RoyVPhotography

A man killed during an alleged attack in Parafield Gardens may have been helping a woman who fled to his house during an altercation with her partner, The Advertiser understands.

It’s believed there was a fight between a man and a woman in Chesser St just after 10pm on Thursday, and the woman subsequently went to a neighbouring property.

The neighbour, William ‘Bill’ Brassil, came outside and sustained a fatal head injury which police are expected to allege was inflicted by the other male. That man – a 29-year-old Gilberton resident ­– has been charged with manslaughter.

He is currently in hospital, where he is being treated for non life-threatening injuries. Police would not reveal how the man became injured.

The Advertiser understands Mr Brassil, 65, had lived on Chesser St for almost 30 years.

One man died and another was arrested after the Thursday night altercation. Picture: Dasha Havrilenko

It will be alleged Bill Brassil was fatally assaulted by another man during a fight in the street. Picture: Dasha Havrilenko

It is further believed that the accused had been staying at a nearby property for about three weeks.

Two civilians performed CPR on Mr Brassil until paramedics arrived and took over. Despite their efforts, he died at the scene.

Police arrested the suspect soon after. It is understood neighbours who came out of their homes to assist kept an eye on the suspect to ensure he did not leave the area before officers arrived.

A heavy police presence remained at the scene on Friday with Northern CIB and Major Crime detectives doorknocking neighbours.

Superintendent Julie Thomas, officer in charge of Northern Districts, described the circumstances surrounding Mr Brassil’s death as “quite complex”.

She would not confirm if any weapons were used in the incident.

“What I can tell you is the initial incident involved the accused and another person,” Supt Thomas said.

“There are charges that will arise from that, and the gentleman who is deceased was involved in terms of being a third party to the incident.”

Supt Thomas described Mr Brassil’s death as “very tragic for his family”.

Neighbour Urvil Vyas said he heard “screaming and shouting” just before 10.30pm on Thursday night, as well as the sounds of emergency services sirens.

Police say the arrested man is expected to be charged with manslaughter. Picture: RoyVPhotography

“It was terrible what happened,” Mr Vyas said.

“This is usually such a quiet street, and most people here know each other and get along.

“Last night, my roommates and I were at home studying and from the window we saw these two people running down the street.

“There was a lot of screaming and shouting going on – we didn’t feel like it was safe to go outside until the police arrived.

“When we did go out, we saw a woman and then some nurses come out and start performing CPR.”

He is being interviewed by detectives and police say he is expected to be charged with manslaughter.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or online at crimestopperssa.com.au

Originally published as Manslaughter charge expected after man dies in altercation on Parafield Gardens street