Twelve men plead not guilty to alleged murder of Brisbane teen
By Cloe Read
Twelve men charged over the alleged killing of a Brisbane teenager have pleaded not guilty to several offences, ahead of an expected five-week trial.
Girum Mekonnen, 19, was allegedly killed near a baseball field at O’Callaghan Park in Zillmere in 2020 during a brawl.
Girum Mekonnen.Credit: Facebook
The men charged over his death are: Ben Abio, 23, Alex Edward Deng, 22, Kresto Wal Wal, 28, Majok Riel Majok, 23, Joseph Lokolong, 28, Abrahim Ajang Yaak, 30, Juma Makuol Deng Makuol, 27, Santo Wal, 36, Chan Kuchmol Kon, 28, Gabreal Wal Wal, 31, Yohana Wal Wal, 23, and Malat Akoi Makuach, 25.
The men all pleaded not guilty to the charges against them, which include murder and assault offences.
On the first day of the trial before Justice Lincoln Crowley, the men sat quietly in individually constructed docks, wearing suits and buttoned shirts.
There was no public gallery available in the room due to the reconfiguration of the docks, but an extra court was assigned for Mekonnen’s family, while another room was allocated for supporters of the defendants.
Crowley informed the jury, which were picked from a pool of 300 people, that they would be taken to the site of the brawl as part of proceedings.
The trial is expected to hear from dozens of witnesses, and multiple detectives and police officers.
The prosecution is expected to begin opening statements on Tuesday.