Westminster School speaks out after old scholar Rylie Lewis Everson-Clare charged with murder

A former school of the young man charged with a North Adelaide murder has shed some light on his time at the elite establishment.

• CCTV of alleged North Adelaide killer

A former school of the young man charged with a North Adelaide murder says the school had taken the then student to provide him with a sense of stability.

On Sunday, 20-year-old Rylie Lewis Everson-Clare was accused of murdering Aaron Stahlhut in a quiet North Adelaide garden over the weekend.

The 54-year-old, from Marden, was found unresponsive when police responded to the reports of a man collapsed on a walking path within Brougham Gardens.

He was rushed to hospital, where he died shortly later.

Rylie Everson-Clare has been remanded in custody after facing the Adelaide Magistrates Court. Picture: Facebook

Rylie Everson-Clare has been charged with the alleged murder of Aaron Stahlhut in Brougham Gardens, North Adelaide. Picture: 7NEWS

Westminster School principal Simon Shepherd wrote to parents and caregivers, confirming the arrested man was a former student and offered support to students.

In the email, seen by The Advertiser, Mr Shepherd said Westminster was a community-minded school” which always strived to “help young people in difficult situations”.

“Mid-way through 2018, we took this student into Year 8 to help provide him with a sense of stability as he undertook secondary education.

“He left us at the end of 2019 in Year 9 to apparently continue his education in the Barossa Valley.

“We will continue to help and support our students. Should this incident and its reporting cause any distress or concerns for your child, please do not hesitate to make use of the Pastoral Care team at school.”

Westminster School principal Simon Shepherd. Picture: Supplied.

Westminster School. Picture: Matt Loxton

In the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Monday afternoon, police asked magistrate Luke Davis to remand 20-year-old Everson-Clare in custody on a mental health order.

Jeff Powell, for Mr Everson-Clare, made no application for bail.

Mr Everson-Clare will appear in court again in August.

Mr Stahlhut was described as “tough but sweet” by a friend who visited the scene on Monday morning.

Aaron Stahlhut was found in Brougham Gardens, North Adelaide, and later died. Picture: SAPOL

The colleague, who wished to remain anonymous, said she worked with Mr Stahlhut in the public service, often having lunch with him.

“He was a toughy,” she told The Advertiser.

“He was someone who overcame every challenge.

“He never complained about anything.

“It’s devastating.”

Originally published as Westminster School speaks out after old scholar Rylie Lewis Everson-Clare charged with murder