Three men found guilty of home invasion murder
Cheryl Goodenough |
Three men have been found guilty of murdering a 22-year-old who was shot in the back of his head during a home invasion on a drug dealer’s house at a rural Queensland property.
Nathan John Caulfield and Trent Edward Dyhrberg, both 36, and Kalabe John Steven Saurine, 22, faced a trial in Brisbane Supreme Court accused of the murder of Michael Zanco north of Brisbane in March 2020.
The three went to the shed on a rural property at Amamoor near Gympie planning to steal drugs and or money from Andrew Donney but the alleged drug dealer was not at the property, the court heard.
The circumstances of what occurred inside the room were hazy, Justice Peter Davis said.
But it was clear that Mr Zanco was shot at relatively close range by Caulfield with what was probably with a .22 calibre rifle.
The Crown argued during the three-week trial that although Caulfield pulled the trigger, Saurine, who was armed with a machete, and Dyhrberg should bear criminal responsibility as they were part of the plan.
The submission was accepted by jurors, who on Tuesday found the three men guilty of murder.
Mr Zanco died the day after the shooting after Caulfield took him to hospital in the back of his ute before fleeing.
In sentencing the men to life behind bars, Justice Peter Davis said they committed what was colloquially known as a home invasion on a local drug dealer’s house to obtain drugs.
“It always had the potential as the jury have found to cause death or harm, very serious harm, to whoever may have been at the house.”
Justice Davis said the case showed the damage done by drugs.
“It was clear throughout the trial that all three of you were addicted to drugs.”
Mr Zanco was a loving young man who had much to live for, his mother Cara Trinder told reporters outside court.
“For what reason was his life taken?
“There was no reason.”
AAP
