Police charge teen: 22-year-old man dies after alleged assault in Burleigh Heads
An 18-year-old man has been charged with delivering the blow that killed a 22-year-old from Nerang in a shocking incident on a Burleigh street.
Gold Coast
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An 18-year-old man has been charged with delivering the blow that killed a 22-year-old from Nerang in a shocking incident on a Burleigh street.
Cameron Duce was found by members of the public lying on the ground at First Ave near the corner of The Esplanade with a serious head injury at around 2.30am on Sunday September 22.
The 22-year-old was rushed to Gold Coast University Hospital in a critical condition, where sadly he lost his battle for life on Saturday.
Mr Duce had been walking home after a night out in Burleigh when the incident happened.
Witnesses reported seeing a group of up to five men leaving the scene.
Following his death the police investigation was upgraded to a homicide probe, with officers on Monday morning appealing for those responsible to come forward.
The Bulletin understands the accused man was arrested later that morning, with police later announcing he was had been charged with unlawful striking causing death.
“Police have charged an 18-year-old man following the death of a man who was assaulted at Burleigh Heads on September 22,” a Queensland Police Service statement said.
“A homicide investigation was launched following the death of a 22-year-old Nerang man in hospital on Saturday, September 28.
“As a result of continued investigations, Gold Coast Criminal Investigation Branch and Homicide Investigation Unit Detectives have arrested and charged an 18-year-old Robina man with unlawful striking causing death.
“He will appear at Southport Magistrates Court tomorrow, October 1.”
Speaking earlier in the day Acting Superintendent Scott Knowles said police had been scouring CCTV footage in an effort to piece together the events of the night.
Acting Supt Knowles said police were pursuing a number of lines of inquiry in the case, and appealed for anyone with CCTV video, dashcam footage or any information to contact them.
“He (Mr Duce) has been out for the night, was allegedly assaulted while he was walking out of the precinct, has fallen, struck his head and that’s caused the fatal injuries,” he said.
“There was a group of people around the victim. We’re looking for anybody who may have been in that group to come forward, or witnesses who may have seen what was happening.
“There’s been some witnesses that see him and a group of people walking away but whether they’re connected or not we don’t know at this point in time.”
On Saturday Mr Duce’s devastated father Chris posted a heartfelt tribute to his son on social media, writing that the family’s hearts were broken.
“The world has lost one of the genuinely good people who brought joy, laughter and love to all of those he met,” he said.
“Rest in peace my beautiful son, our beautiful boy. We love you so much and miss you so badly already. Go and be the Angel you already were.”
Acting Supt Knowles said police were keeping in close contact with Mr Duce’s devastated family as their investigation progressed.
“The loss of any family member is traumatic and our condolences go out to his family,” he said.
“Our investigators are working hard to bring the person to justice that’s actually done this.”
Police are urging anyone who can help with their investigation to contact them at 131 444.
Originally published as Police charge teen: 22-year-old man dies after alleged assault in Burleigh Heads
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