A third man has been charged following “long-running and complex” investigations into the alleged kidnapping, torture and murder of a man in January this year.
According to a police statement, officers today charged a 26-year-old Cleveland man with 17 serious offences, including murder, armed robbery, torture and kidnapping.
Two other men – a 31-year-old Birkdale man and a 32-year-old Griffin man – were previously arrested on similar charges relating to the 6 January incident.
Police allege three friends met up with a group of other men – who police believe were known to the friends – at Rudyard Street in Inala.
Logan detective inspector Chris Knight alleged at the time that the friends were subsequently kidnapped – “against their will and under the threat of extreme violence”.
“They were taken to another location where they were subject to more violence over a number of hours before being returned to their vehicle [at Inala],” Mr Knight alleged.
Their injuries included bruising and lacerations. One man suffered a broken leg and another serious facial injuries.
Another, aged 52, suffered brain damage and was taken to Logan Hospital hours later.
“Unfortunately, he died within 24 hours of medical treatment,” Mr Knight said.
“By the time we received notification of the injuries, we have not had the opportunity to speak with him.”
Mr Knight said investigations into the incident, led by a team of around 30 local detectives, were large and would continue.
He said at the time that detectives did not believe the alleged attack was a “random event”, rather a “coordinated effort to extort and rob” the men, likely for money.
On 10 January, a 31-year-old man was arrested at a home in Griffin.
Six days later, a 32-year-old Griffin man was charged at a business in Wacol.
Now, a third man, 26, has been charged of the 52-year-old’s death.
Detective Acting Inspector Daniel Cunningham said today’s arrest followed months of detailed forensic examination, intelligence gathering and coordinated efforts by specialist units.
“This investigation has been long-running and complex, involving multiple scenes, offenders and serious allegations,” Detective Acting Inspector Cunningham said.
“We will allege this group was known to each other, and their actions resulted in the tragic death of a man who sustained catastrophic injuries.
“This murder charge demonstrates our ongoing commitment to holding those responsible to account and providing some further justice to the family.
“We are incredibly grateful to the public and partner agencies for their support throughout this investigation.”
The man is expected to appear at the Brisbane Magistrates Court today, 26 May.
Investigations are continuing.
