Jet-setting fugitive bikie to be extradited over Gold Coast murder
Wade Yates-Taui was arrested in California over the stabbing deaths of a rival bike, Max Waller, in June last year on the Gold Coast. (AAP Image/Queensland Police) (AAP Image/Queensland Police)
A Gold Coast cage fighter and sworn member of the Mongols outlaw motorcycle club will be extradited from the United States to face charges over the death of a rival bikie last year.
Wade Yates-Taui fled the Gold Coast in December, only days before he was due to testify regarding the stabbing death of Bandidos associate Max Waller on June 23, 2013.
US marshals tracked Mr Yates-Taui down outside Los Angeles on April 25 after a 10-month search, during which the fugitive had partied with Mongols bikies throughout Thailand and the US.
Mr Yates-Taui and his girlfriend, former Miss V8 Supercar finalist Raquel Petit, documented their travels on Facebook which US marshals said made it easy to track them down.
US prosecutors alleged at Mr Yates-Taui’s extradition hearing that he had asked an associate to “antagonise” the victim, and watched as Waller was stabbed to death with a steak knife.
Queensland police allege that Mr Yates-Taui and Benjamin Thomas Mortimer were upset with Waller and had frequently referred to him as “a dog.”
Waller was found dead with 28 stab wounds outside a Gold Coast apartment complex, with his phone records indicating that several associates of Mr Yates-Taui had been attempting to arrange a meeting with him.
Share a tip-off, video or photo with us
Most viewed in Australia
‘Unimaginable loss’: Two children killed in horror crash on the way home from school
Talia and Ebony were physically abused by their mother. Then she was made into a TV star
Blanche d’Alpuget, writer and widow of Bob Hawke, dies aged 82
Justine lost her brother suddenly. Then an unexpected email arrived
