Police to charge a 22-year-old man arrested in Victoria with the murder of Yiel ‘Yoal’ Deng Gatluak, pair charged as accomplices
NT Police are expected to charge one man with murder, and accused a teenager and a 21-year-old of being his accomplices 14 days after Yiel ‘Yoal’ Deng Gatluak’s body was discovered dumped on a dirt road.
Northern Territory
Don't miss out on the headlines from Northern Territory. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Three people are expected to be charged over the alleged murder of an Alice Springs teenager, whose body was found dumped on the side of a dirt road.
On Sunday NT Police confirmed that a 22-year-old man had been extradited from Victoria to Alice Springs and charged with murder.
It comes 14 days after 19-year-old Yiel ‘Yoal’ Deng Gatluak’s body was found on Undoolya Road, 10km east of Alice Springs on New Year’s Day, two years after he moved to the Red Centre from Melbourne.
Two men aged 20 and 21 years old were arrested last Monday, along with a 17-year-old boy.
The young trio were held in custody for more than six days — 144 hours — without a charge.
However on Sunday a police spokesman confirmed that the teenager and 21-year-old were expected to be charged with being an accessory to murder after the fact.
The 22, 21 and 17-year-old are due to face Alice Springs Local Court on Monday.
“Detectives have been in contact with the deceased’s family to update them on the progress of the investigation and the status of the charges that will be laid,” a spokesman said.
However, NT Police confirmed that the 20-year-old arrested six days ago had been released “pending further investigations”.
Unlike every other state which sets a 48 hour limit to pre-charge detention, the Northern Territory has no maximum period of detention before charges are laid.
Northern Territory Police can continue to hold a person without charge for a “reasonable period”, which could include the complexity of the investigation, time taken to interview witnesses, complete forensic analysis, or the need to access legal or interpreter services
A recent United Nations anti-torture investigation recommended that the maximum detention periods prior to charge be set at 48 hours in all states and territories, and that any extension be limited in time and subject to judicial review.
In response the Australian Government said the Territory was an anomaly, with all other jurisdictions not allowing pre-charge detention beyond 48 hours with additional safeguards for children and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
“Every minute that the person is held in custody (in the Northern Territory) … must be justified,” the Australian government response said.
Investigations into Mr Gatluak’s death are ongoing with police urging anyone with any information to contact them immediately on 131 444, quoting reference number NTP2400000232.
Tip offs can also be made anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or through www.crimestoppersnt.com.au
More Coverage
Originally published as Police to charge a 22-year-old man arrested in Victoria with the murder of Yiel ‘Yoal’ Deng Gatluak, pair charged as accomplices
‘Bitumen bleed’ causes chaos on Red Centre road
‘Bitumen bleed’ is being labelled as the reason why buses can’t travel on one of the Red Centre capital’s main roads – with the government silent on how much is being spent to fix it.
Sickening: Paramedic bashed in Alice Springs as assault numbers soar
New laws to protect frontline workers have been announced just hours after a paramedic was bashed as she arrived home from work. Read what’s planned.
Warrant out for Territory footballer after alleged ‘serious’ bail breach
A young Aussie Rules player facing more than 30 DV charges has had his bail revoked and a warrant issued for his arrest, after allegedly crossing state borders and breaking a contact order. Find out the latest from court.
Department issues apology ahead of probe into toddler’s septic tank drowning
Ahead of a coronial inquest, a government department has issued a statement relaying “profound regret” for its “failures”. Find out why.
Ex-Darwin councillor makes final bid in fight against stalking, abuse case
A former Darwin councillor will wait until January to learn his fate after making a final bid to contest multiple domestic violence offences, allegedly committed against his ex-girlfriend.
Dad and son, 10, allegedly involved in Top End trespasses: Police
A 10-year-old boy and his father were allegedly involved in a spate of trespass incidents at a Top End industrial complex, with the child caught and passed into the “care of a responsible adult”.