Two men on trial for the alleged murders of Cory Breton and Iuliana Triscaru, whose bodies were discovered submerged in a toolbox at Scrubby Creek, have shifted blame between each other and an acquaintance, seeking to absolve themselves of the allegations. The prosecution contends that the victims were forced into the toolbox, which was subsequently discarded, leading to their deaths.
As the trial concluded in Queensland’s Supreme Court, the defence attorneys began their closing statements to the jury. Lars Falcongreen, representing one defendant, argued that there was insufficient evidence to convict his client based solely on claims regarding his presence at the crime scene. He cautioned that his co-defendant might attempt to shift blame onto him, specifically suggesting that they could be implicated in the actions surrounding the disposal of the toolbox.
Falcongreen brought attention to the testimony of key witness Lelan Harrington, who reportedly stated he overheard another man inform Taiao about the act of placing the victims in Scrubby Creek, insinuating that Taiao had no prior involvement in their deaths. He highlighted that the testimony of Harrington, deemed pivotal by the prosecution, could undermine their case.
Crown prosecutor Nathan Crane alleged that Daniels and Taiao were accountable for the murders by coercing Breton and Triscaru into the toolbox shortly before their tragic demise. Falcongreen maintained that the initial treatment of the victims was intended to intimidate them rather than to kill, linked to a drug-related dispute.
Thrupp’s defence barrister, Jessica Goldie, posited that Harrington might have been complicit in transferring the toolbox and suggested that he was fabricating his narrative to protect himself, having faced no legal consequences for his actions. Goldie dismissed Harrington’s claims that Thrupp confessed to the murders as unfounded and contradicted by forensic evidence.
The defence also indicated that phone records could imply Taiao’s presence at Scrubby Creek, potentially complicating the prosecution’s assertions. The trial has already spotlighted the interwoven narratives of guilt and innocence among the defendants. Meanwhile, the last defence address from Daniel’s barrister is anticipated in the upcoming proceedings. All three accused have consistently pleaded not guilty to the charges against them.