Tributes flow for Cian English following Gold Coast balcony robbery
Tributes have flowed following the death of 19-year-old Cian English, who fell from a Gold Coast balcony during an alleged robbery.
Three men charged with English’s murder have had their cases mentioned in court on Monday morning.
Gold Coast police allege that the trio – Jason Ryan Knowles, 22, Hayden Paul Kratzmann, 20, and Lachlan Paul Soper-Lagas, 18 – invited English and a friend to party with them in their apartment.
The two groups of people were staying in separate units in the Surfers Paradise building.
The five men allegedly used drugs before Knowles, Kratzmann and Soper-Lagas tried to rob English and his friend at knifepoint.
“During the course of that the victim has attempted to escape and has gone over the balcony and died,” said Detective Superintendent Brendan Smith.
Police were called to the apartment complex on Saturday at about 3.15am after a passer-by found English’s body at the base of the building.
Knowles, Kratzmann and Soper-Lagas were arrested on Saturday and charged on Sunday with one count of murder, two counts of armed robbery and two of deprivation of liberty.
English’s family issued a statement on Sunday asking for privacy.
“Our family is devastated by this tragedy and respectfully ask for privacy as the police investigation into the circumstances continues,” the Brisbane-based family said.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk described the incident as “tragic”.
“[It is] tragic … very concerning, and there is a family that is grieving,” she said.
“It’s awful, absolutely awful. I just urge everyone, especially young people, to please be safe.”
Locals in English’s hometown of Carlow, Ireland, remembered the teenager as a “gentle soul”.
“The committee, members and supporters of Carlow Town Hurling and Camogie Club would like to extend its sincere and heartfelt sympathy to the English and Webster families on the tragic passing of their beloved Cian,” Carlow Town Hurling Club said.
“May his gentle soul rest in peace.”