Police have charged three adults over an incident at Weston skatepark that ended in the alleged murder of an 18-year-old and the stabbing of a 16-year-old.
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A statement issued by ACT Policing on Thursday afternoon said two of those arrested were aged 18, while the third person was aged 25.
One of the 18-year-olds and the 25-year-old would front the ACT Magistrates Court on Friday charged with affray and assault, the statement said.
The other 18-year-old - who was 17 at the time of the incident at the skatepark - would appear in the ACT Children's Court on Friday charged with affray.
Police allege the incident, which happened in the early hours of September 27, was the culmination of two teenagers arguing on social media and then agreeing to fight at the skatepark.
They say the 18-year-old who ended up being fatally stabbed drove his 16-year-old cousin to the fight.
When the man and his cousin arrived at the skatepark, it's alleged two teenagers approached one side of the car they were travelling in and engaged in a physical altercation with the 16-year-old, who later ended up with stab wounds.
One of the two teenagers, aged 17, has pleaded not guilty to affray and was granted bail in the ACT Children's Court on October 28. He is the son of a police officer.
While the two teenagers were allegedly fighting the 16-year-old, police say three adults pulled the 18-year-old from the driver's side of the car and engaged in a physical altercation with him, before they left to get weapons.
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While they were away getting weapons, it's alleged another 16-year-old stepped in and stabbed the 18-year-old to death.
He has pleaded not guilty to four charges including murder and affray and is currently before the ACT Children's Court.
He was granted bail last month, and - like other children involved in the case - cannot legally be named.
At the accused killer's bail hearing, prosecutor Rebecca Christensen said it was clear he had an interest in knives.
She said that was demonstrated by "notes" containing rap lyrics or poems police found on his phone.
One talked about stabbing people for fun, she said, while another allegedly said: "Been holding a shiv since age 13."
Ms Christensen said the alleged murderer's mother had raised concerns with police about his behaviour back in July, and, in October last year, his father told him to hand over a weapon so he could give it to the police.
The murder accused and the 17-year-old affray accused are due back in the ACT Children's Court on February 22.
On Thursday, Detective Superintendent Scott Moller said police would "continue to act on the available evidence to charge anyone who engaged in criminal behaviour that night".
Cassandra Morgan
It has never been more important for Canberrans to be able to access reliable and accurate information about health. As The Canberra Times’ health reporter, I am committed to ensuring our readers have access to this. I, like many in the territory, have family members who work in the sector. Although providing comprehensive coverage on the coronavirus pandemic is obviously my number one priority, I aim to frequently shed light on the fantastic work our frontline professionals do, as well as the challenges they face. Email me tips and story ideas at: c.morgan@canberratimes.com.au.
It has never been more important for Canberrans to be able to access reliable and accurate information about health. As The Canberra Times’ health reporter, I am committed to ensuring our readers have access to this. I, like many in the territory, have family members who work in the sector. Although providing comprehensive coverage on the coronavirus pandemic is obviously my number one priority, I aim to frequently shed light on the fantastic work our frontline professionals do, as well as the challenges they face. Email me tips and story ideas at: c.morgan@canberratimes.com.au.
