Five people, including a teenager, have been charged over the alleged bashing death of a man two months after his body was found on the lawn of a suburban Perth home.
A mystery caller summoned police to Kalamunda Rd in the eastern Perth suburb of High Wycombe about 3.20am on January 3, where officers found the body of 24-year-old Lee White.
A 17-year-old boy, two men aged 39 and 44, and two women aged 18 and 28, have all been charged in relation to Mr White’s death.
A 2016 Facebook image of Lee White, 24, who was found dead on the lawn of a High Wycombe property on January 3.
A 2018 Facebook image of Mr White. Five people have now been charged over their alleged involvement in his death.
The two men and two women have been charged with one count each of unlawful act or omission with intent to harm (endangering life, health or safety of any person), and are all due to appear in magistrates courts on separate dates.
The 17-year-old has been charged with accessory after the fact to an indictable (principal) offence, and is due in Perth Children’s Court on April 14.
Police in a media conference immediately following Mr White’s death alleged the victim was assaulted in a targeted attack, before being dumped on the verge of a house.
“Investigators believe this man’s injuries are a result of an assault and that other people would have been involved in, a person or people,” said Detective Senior Sergeant Michael Fogell on January 3, the same day Mr White’s body was found.
Mr White grew up in the Great Southern WA town of Esperance, with friends posting tributes on social media.
“Rest in Peace Lee White,” wrote Josh Holdaway on January 5, “despite the fights, we had some memorable moments making music when everybody hated us … my first friend when I moved to Esperance.”
“You were a good bloke when you were on your own and not influenced by others.”
Pastor Wazza Harvey, who also knew Mr White, posted his own Facebook tribute on January 4.
“So many people are asking me questions,” wrote Mr Harvey, “please pray for your friends that continue to relapse and dabble or stay connected to the “scene”.”
“Many do recover and become restored … but the living reality is some don’t make it.”
Read related topics:Perth