Man tried to shoot Turner murderer’s foot two weeks before killing

A Moonah man who was previously charged with the murder of a Gagebrook father of two has pleaded guilty to a lesser charge after a shock admission. DETAILS>>

A Moonah man who was previously charged with the murder of Gagebrook father of two has admitted to being an accessory after the fact, but his exact role has been disputed.

Alani Moeakiola pleaded guilty to accessory after the fact of murder on Thursday, in relation to the death of Jarrod Leigh Turner.

Mr Turner was shot in the head at close range by his housemate Shannon James Duffy in April, 2019 and his body was found on the side of Colebrook Rd.

Duffy was sentenced for the term of his natural life, but may be eligible for parole in 2037.

Prosecutor Linda Mason said Moeakiola had previously been charged with murder but police did not have sufficient evidence to prosecute for the crime.

The now 32-year-old was accused of assisting Duffy to destroy the firearm used to kill Mr Turner, but this was disputed by his lawyer.

He was also accused of lying to police about Duffy’s whereabouts and helping him avoid authorities.

Ms Mason said after the killing, Moeakiola took Duffy to his aunt’s house in Snug and later arranged for him to stay at another relative’s house in Fingal, where the convicted murderer stayed for five days before he was arrested and charged.

Ms Mason said Moeakiola was questioned by police in August but told a number of lies to distance himself from Duffy.

Moeakiola’s lawyer Greg Richardson said the defendant pleaded guilty to accessory on the basis he was aware of the killing.

He also said it was accepted Moeakiola lied to police.

“He told lies to police about his knowledge of the whereabouts of Duffy,” Mr Richardson said.

“He took him to a number of places, that was to work out what to do.”

Defence barrister Greg Richardson leaving the Supreme Court of Tasmania on Tuesday. The trial for a man accused of setting his partner on fire continues. Picture: Amber Wilson

But Mr Richardson rejected the notion Moeakiola had any involvement with the murder weapon.

“It is denied the accused assisted Duffy to destroy the firearm used to commit murder,” Mr Richardson said.

The court also heard two weeks before the murder, Moeakiola discharged a firearm at Duffy’s foot.

“While there was no serious injury, obviously there was real potential,” Ms Mason said.

Moeakiola pleaded guilty to aggravated assault in relation to the incident, which Mr Richardson said was an attempt to “impose punishment”.

“He tried to shoot him in the foot, it hit the boot, it didn’t go through the foot,” Mr Richardson said.

Ms Mason noted Moeakiola had several prior convictions.

“The risk the accused continues to pose to the community is significant,” she said.

Mr Richardson said it was the longest time Mr Moeakiola had been in custody and that he’d been trying to make improvements before his release.

“He’s started education classes to learn to read and write,” Mr Richardson said.

“It’s indicative of someone who’s trying to rehabilitate himself.”

Mr Richardson said the defendant was also taking parenting classes in prison.

The matter was adjourned until September 22.

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