Homicide investigation launched after Elmar Kalejs, found with serious head injuries in carpark in Bedfordale, near Perth, dies in hospital
Mystery continues to surround how a man sustained serious head injuries after he was found unconscious in a carpark — with police releasing a new public appeal after the man died in hospital.
WA News
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Police have issued a renewed appeal for information after a man found with serious injuries in a carpark in Perth’s southeast died in hospital just a few months later.
Elmars Kalejs, 53, was found by a member of the public in the carpark adjacent to the Settlers’ Common Environmental Centre in Bedfordale about 12.30pm on April 18.
He was lying unconscious near the driver’s side door of his silver Holden Commodore sedan, with clear and significant head injuries.
Mr Kalejs was transported to hospital in a serious condition with head injuries and broken ribs.
He died two months later in hospital.
Homicide detectives have now launched a renewed investigation into the incident, specifically seeking any information over the 24 hours from midday April 17 to the same time on April 18.
CCTV released by police captures Mr Kalejs walking through a shopping centre car park on April 18, dressed in a blue and black chequered shirt and black hat, carrying a black backpack.
Detective Senior Sergeant Jarrod Manson said even the smallest piece of information could hold the key to providing some answers for Mr Kalejs’ family.
“Somebody out there may know what happened, and exactly how Mr Kalejs sustained these injuries. We want to find that explanation and we believe that’s possible with the help of the community,” Senior Sergeant Manson, from the state’s Homicide Squad, said on Tuesday.
Senior Sergeant Manson told the ABC police still did not know how Mr Kalejs sustained his injuries but assured there was no evidence to suggest any risk to the public.
“We understand (Mr Kalejs) was sleeping in his car at this location and there’s been no other incidents that we’re aware of, where someone’s been injured in such a manner,” he said.
Courtney Mallard, Mr Kalejs’ daughter, said her family were desperate for answers.
She added it had been a hard few months due to the 53-year-old not being able to meet his third and final grandson, describing Mr Kalejs as a “loving, gentle man” who “lived off the land”.
“Please just help, if you know anything it’s OK, we forgive anyone who’s done it. Just please come forward,” she told the ABC.
“We just need closure as a family.”
Originally published as Homicide investigation launched after Elmar Kalejs, found with serious head injuries in carpark in Bedfordale, near Perth, dies in hospital
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