Man charged after 16-year-old boy dies in Yirrkala

A 49-YEAR-OLD man has been charged with murder over the death of a boy in Yirrkala

A man has been arrested after he handed himself into police in relation to the death of a 16-year-old boy in Yirrkala on Wednesday

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UPDATE:

A 49-YEAR-OLD man has been charged with murder over the death of a boy in Yirrkala on Wednesday afternoon.

According to NT Police, the man was arrested near Nhulunbuy on Friday afternoon after handing himself into police, following community advice.

Police will allege the 16-year-old boy died from stab wounds after a fight broke out on the oval in the East Arnhem community.

A 16-YEAR-OLD boy is dead and at least three others are in hospital after a large fight in the remote Territory town of Yirrkala. Picture: Google

Three other men also suffered stab wounds in the fight, which police say involved between 50 and 100 people.

The three men were flown to Darwin and remain under the care of the Royal Darwin Hospital.

They are all in a stable condition.

The man who handed himself in was flown to Darwin on Friday where he was interviewed by Major Crime detectives before being charged.

He is scheduled to appear before the Darwin Local Court on Tuesday.   

He has not been charged with anything in relation to the three men’s injuries.

A number of events scheduled in the East Arnhem region this weekend, including the football fixture, have been cancelled by community out of respect to family.

Assistant Commissioner Michael White thanked the community for its cooperation and patience with police during this difficult time.

“Police will continue to work with community members and urge anyone with information which may assist, to come forward,” he said.

If anyone has any information about Wednesday’s incident they are urged to call police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

EARLIER:

A 49-YEAR-OLD man as been arrested in relation to the death of a boy in Yirrkala on Wednesday afternoon.

According to NT Police, the man was arrested Friday afternoon after handing himself in, following community advice.

It’s alleged the boy died from stab wounds after a fight broke out on the oval in the East Arnhem community.

Three other men also suffered stab wounds in the fight, which police say involved between 50 and 100 people.

Police say tensions had been mounting in the days before the fight broke out.

Detectives from Darwin were flown to the community on Wednesday afternoon and have stayed to investigate over the past few days.

The man who handed himself in was taken to Darwin where he will be interviewed by Major Crime detectives.

A number of events scheduled in the East Arnhem region this weekend, including the football fixture, have been cancelled by community out of respect to family.

If anyone has any information about Wednesday’s incident they are urged to call police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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