Yiel ‘Yoal’ Deng Gatluak: Lawyers served evidence Alice Springs New Year’s Day murder case

Nearly 10 months after a 22-year-old was extradited to the Red Centre on a murder charge, his lawyer has finally received the brief of evidence “in full”. Find out the latest from court.

Alice Springs Local Court. Picture: Gera Kazakov

Nearly 10 months after a 22-year-old was extradited to the Red Centre on a murder charge, his lawyer has finally received the brief of evidence “in full”.

Lawyers for 22-year-old Koang Wuordol and Guandong Lual Gatl Guandong were back before a judge in Alice Springs Local Court on Thursday.

Mr Wuordol, Mr Guandong, and a 17-year-old – who cannot be named for legal reasons – are accused of murdering 19-year-old Yiel ‘Yoal’ Deng Gatluak.

Yiel ‘Yoal’ Deng Gatluak. Supplied: Mary Riek

Mr Gatluak’s body was found on Undoolya Rd, 10km east of Alice Springs on January 1, 2024.

Supporters and Mr Gatluak’s family again packed the courtroom at the latest mention.

Both Mr Wuordol and Mr Guandong are remanded in custody, and were excused from attending the hearing.

On January 15, 2024, Koang Wuordol, arrested over the murder of Sudanese teenager Yiel Gatluak, boards a Qantas flight at Melbourne Airport, and is extradited to Alice Springs. PICTURE: NCA Newswire / Nicki Connolly

Presiding over was Judge Anthony Hopkins, where Mr Wurdoul’s lawyer Simon Lapinski confirmed the “brief of evidence has been served in full”.

At previous mentions, prosecutor David Darymple has told the court the “significant amount” of evidence will make a “difference to the nature of the case”.

Yiel Gatluak was born in Australia to South Sudanese parents and was raised in Melbourne's east. Supplied: Mary Riek

The evidence – which this masthead understands totals more than 18 gigabytes – is set contain a mixture of photo exhibits, videos, and forensic materials.

Previously, the court heard how Mr Gatluak’s shoes were allegedly stolen – after he was allegedly beaten to death.

In January, Mr Wurdoul was extradited from Melbourne to Alice Springs to front court after he was charged by police.

Judge Hopkins adjourned the matter to November 14 in the Alice Springs Local Court.