Dozen murder accused plead not guilty to park killing

Rex Martinich |

Jurors will visit the scene of a fatal stabbing during the trial of 12 men accused of murder.
Jurors will visit the scene of a fatal stabbing during the trial of 12 men accused of murder.

A dozen men accused of murdering a teenager and injuring 10 other people during a violent incident in a park have denied all charges at the start of their five-week trial.

The 12 defendants faced Brisbane Supreme Court on Monday and pleaded not guilty to the murder of Girum Mekonnen.

The 19-year-old died near a soccer club and a Police Citizens Youth Club at a park in the north Brisbane suburb of Zillmere on September 13, 2020.

All defendants also pleaded not guilty to 10 other charges of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, unlawful wounding with bats or bladed weapons, and assault causing bodily harm against 10 alleged victims.

The defendants are Kresto Wal Wal, 28, Gabreal Wal Wal, 31, Santo Wall, 36, Yohana Wal Wal, 23, Joseph Lokolong, 28, Majok Riel Majok, 23, Alex Edward Deng, 22, Chan Kuchmol Kon, 28, Abraham Ajang Yaak, 30, Ben Abio, 23, Juma Makuol Deng Makuol, 27, and Malat Akoi Makuach, 25.

Justice Lincoln Crowley told the jurors that the trial was estimated to take five weeks but could be slightly shorter or longer.

“It is anticipated that the jury would be taken to Zillmere to view the location and surrounds relevant to alleged events,” Justice Crowley told jurors.

Prosecutor Nathan Crane told them they would hear evidence from dozens of witnesses including DNA forensic experts, telecommunications engineers and numerous police officers.

Justice Crowley was due to continue giving his directions to the jury and Mr Crane to start his opening address on Tuesday.

AAP