In a Queensland Supreme Court trial, witness Lelan Harrington testified about the tragic drowning of Cory Breton, 28, and Iuliana Triscaru, 31, whose bodies were found in a toolbox in a lagoon in Kingston, Logan, on January 24, 2016. Harrington denied personal involvement, stating he wasn’t present when the toolbox was disposed of, despite being questioned about comments made by Trent Michael Thrupp, one of the accused.
Thrupp, along with co-defendants Stou Daniels and Davy Malu Junior Taiao, faces murder charges for allegedly forcing Breton and Triscaru into the toolbox before their deaths. Defence barrister Jessica Goldie challenged Harrington’s testimony, suggesting he fabricated details of Thrupp confessing to the crime. Harrington resolutely denied this, affirming he relayed what Thrupp had told him.
The court was informed that Harrington, who had earlier received a suspended sentence for detaining the victims, had initially lied to police to protect the suspects, fearing they would be convicted for drug-related offences. He admitted to having lied during investigations but later decided to come clean, acknowledging he was truthful when he stated that he witnessed an incident involving Taiao assaulting Triscaru prior to her death.
Crown prosecutor Nathan Crane has outlined that Daniels and Taiao are alleged to have coerced the victims into the toolbox at a residential unit before Thrupp either discarded it in Scrubby Creek or was present during its disposal. Harrington recounted a vivid instance where he allegedly saw a cable tie placed around Triscaru’s neck, affirming his recollection to be clear.
As the trial progresses, Justice Glenn Martin has had to remind Harrington to focus on the questions posed to him. Harrington’s previous statements about the night of the incident are under scrutiny, particularly his motivations for assisting the prosecution while navigating his own legal troubles.
All three defendants have pleaded not guilty to the murder charges, and the trial is ongoing as the jury hears further evidence regarding the events surrounding the deaths of Breton and Triscaru.