Nsw teen charged over scientology stabbing 20190105 p5wtn3.html – Breaking News & Latest Updates 2026
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This was published 7 years ago

Scientology stabbing case heard in court

AAP

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A teenage boy charged with the stabbing murder of a Church of Scientology member at the organisation's Australasian headquarters has had his matter heard in a Sydney court.

The 16-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, did not apply for bail or appear via video link at Parramatta Children's Court on Saturday.

He was charged earlier in the day with the murder of a 24-year-old Taiwanese national with a 25cm kitchen knife.

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Police say the victim, named by court documents as Chih-Jen Yeh, was attempting to escort the teen down the driveway of the Chatswood Scientology headquarters on Thursday afternoon when he was attacked.

Mr Yeh, described as a "beloved" member of the Scientology church, died in hospital later that day.

A 30-year-old man also injured in the incident has been discharged from hospital after being treated for minor injuries.

AAP has been told the accused was visiting the centre where his mother was to undergo a "purification ceremony".

It's understood Mr Yeh was a parishioner studying at the centre.

The 13,500 square metre building at Chatswood - which was opened in September 2016 - is the largest Scientology centre outside the United States.

The boy has been charged with murder, domestic assault, common assault, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and affray.

The domestic assault occurred the evening before the murder at about 8pm on Wednesday, according to court documents.

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The matter was adjourned until Monday, January 7 at Parramatta Children's Court, where a Mandarin interpreter has been requested.

The accused is expected to appear via video link.

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