NT Police investigating if fatal stabbing of Declan Laverty linked to other violent assaults

Police allege the fatal stabbing of a young bottleshop worker may be linked to a series of violent assaults across the Darwin region.

A young worker who was stabbed to death in a Darwin bottleshop is the latest victim in a string of assaults and robberies across the Darwin region, police allege.

Police continue to investigate the fatal alleged assault of 20-year-old Declan Laverty, who was allegedly stabbed “multiple times” by a customer at the Airport Tavern bottleshop on Sunday evening.

Acting Commissioner of Crime, Intelligence and Capability Michael White said police were investigating the “distressing and disturbing” series of events that led to the young worker’s death.

Mr White said a crime scene was established around the Airport Tavern in Jingili after Mr Laverty was stabbed “multiple times” at 9pm, just before the business’s closing time.

Declan Laverty, 20, was allegedly stabbed to death at the Airport Tavern in Darwin about 9pm Sunday, March 19, 2023. Police are investigating a string of other incidents leading up to his death at the Jingili tavern. Picture: Facebook

Mr White said police and paramedics attended the “daunting” scene but were unable to save the young man.

He said it was believed the incident occurred after another adult was initially refused service, then another person stabbed the teenager.

“A person was refused, initially, service and then returned back and made a lawful purchase of alcohol,” he said.

“That person isn't the person that’s in custody in relation to the actual death.”

It was alleged a group of people fled the scene.

NT Police Assistant Commissioner Michael White said a 19-year-old had been arrested in relation to a death at the Airport Tavern in Jingili. Picture: Sierra Haigh

A 19-year-old man was arrested on Trower Rd on Monday morning, with police continuing to search for others.

Mr White said two teenagers, aged 15 and 16, were also in custody and were assisting police with their inquiries.

He said no charges had been laid and the group were all local to Darwin.

Mr White said officers were investigating if the fatal stabbing was linked to two other violent assaults the same evening.

He alleged three hours before the fatal stabbing a worker at the Beachfront Hotel was hit in the head with a bottle of stolen booze, after trying to stop people pinching alcohol.

A crime scene at the Airport Tavern remains active after a young man died when he was stabbed while working. Picture: Sierra Haigh

Mr White alleged two hours later, a young person was assaulted and robbed while walking on the streets at Karama at 8pm.

He said police believed the same vehicle, a blue 2014 Toyota Camry with the registration number CE71BI, was involved in the two bottle-o incidents, and “potentially” the Karama robbery.

While the car has since been seized by police, Mr White asked for anyone who may have seen the vehicle to contact police.

“This series of events is obviously quite distressing and disturbing,” he said.

Floral tributes at The Airport Tavern at Jingili in Darwin where a 20-year-old bottleshop worker was stabbed to death about 9pm Sunday, March 19, 2023. Picture: Sierra Haigh

Mr White said a sad reality of the Territory was the level of addiction and alcohol-fuelled violence.

“Unfortunately for all of us, these people sometimes take to stealing alcohol and put themselves and put the staff that work in these establishments at risk,” he said.

However, Mr White ruled out setting up Police Auxiliary Licencing Inspectors on Darwin bottleshops, saying it was not logistically possible.

“That has never been on the table for PALIs in Darwin,” he said.

“We do not have the resources to do that.”

Mr White said he was aware of a Liquor Law discussion paper, which flagged the possibility of granting stop and search powers to security guards and other civilian workers.

“(There) has to be the appropriate governance and accountability around the issuance of such equipment to security guards,” he said.

When asked if these enforcement responsibilities forced workers to confront potentially violent offenders, Mr White said: “It’s kind of a risk to anyone, at anytime.”

WorkSafe is also investigating the incident after being alerted by Mr Laverty’s employer.

“NT WorkSafe inspectors will carry out enquiries into this incident to determine the appropriate regulatory response,” a spokesman said.

Teenager arrested after young worker stabbed to death at BWS Airport Tavern

MONDAY 7AM: A 20-year-old worker has been stabbed to death at a Darwin bottle shop.

St John Ambulance confirmed they attended the stabbing at the BWS Airport Tavern bottle shop about 9pm on Sunday night.

Despite the best efforts of paramedics they were unable to save the man’s life.

The Major Crime Unit has arrested a 19-year-old man in relation to the death in Jingili.

About 9pm, police received reports a 20-year-old employee had been stabbed with a knife at a bottleshop on McMillans Rd, Jingili.

Police believe the offender fled the scene in a vehicle.

NT Police and St John Ambulance attended and the victim was declared deceased upon arrival.

A 19-year-old man has been stabbed to death at BWS Airport Tavern bottle shop.

A 19-year-old male was arrested early Monday morning.

He remains in police custody and is expected to be charged later today.

Sources have told Sky News the man was stabbed after refusing a customer just as the shop was about to close.

A man who was among the first on scene and tried to save the victim’s life described the shop worker as a “beautiful boy”.

The man was a regular at the tavern bottle shop and said the worker often served him.

It is understood the worker’s family members arrived at the scene shortly after the incident.

Senior officers from the major crime department are expected to hold a news conference later today.

The Airport Tavern remains a crime scene with a number of evidence markers dotting the carpark fronting McMillans Rd.

Endeavour Group, which owns The Airport Tavern, issued a statement on the tragedy.

Chief executive Steve Donohue said the company’s thoughts were “with the team member’s family, friends and loved ones”.

“Endeavour Group can confirm that, following a serious incident last night at BWS Drive at the Airport Tavern in Darwin, a team member has tragically passed away,” he said.

“Despite best efforts to revive the team member, he died at the scene.

“We thank the emergency service workers who attended the scene.

“We will offer counselling and support to all our team members in Darwin across BWS and ALH Hotels, and the team member’s family.

“The incident is now being investigated by NT Police.”