Trio charged with murder after Brisbane teen plunges to death
Three men have been charged with the murder of a Brisbane teenager after he plunged to his death from a Gold Coast balcony in the early hours of Saturday.
Police allege Cian English died trying to escape the trio, who were threatening him at knifepoint during a drug-fuelled party inside the Surfers Paradise unit where they were staying.
Authorities were called to an apartment block on View Avenue in Surfers Paradise just after 3am on Saturday, where a group of young people had been consuming prescription drugs.
Cian English plunged to his death after an alleged knifepoint robbery at a Surfer's Paradise apartment. Supplied
The apartment block on the Surfers Paradise where Cian English fell to his death. Nine
They found the body of Mr English at the base of the building, with initial inquiries suggesting he fell from a balcony above.
Police now believe the 19-year-old died attempting to flee an armed robbery after a group of men from a neighbouring unit joined the group.
Detective Superintendent Brendan Smith described Mr English's death as "tragic".
"We've got a young man who was on the Gold Coast with his friends and one thing lead to another and he's now dead," Detective Superintendent Smith said.
He said it's believed the two groups, which included teenagers as young as 16, interacted over the verandah before visiting the neighbouring hotel room.
Police say the three men, Jason Knowles, Lachlan Soper-Lagas and Hayden Kratzman were attempting to rob Mr English and his friend of a phone and some clothing when the former attempted to escape over the balcony, police allege.
"They were both viciously assaulted and, as I say, the robberies occurred at knifepoint," Detective Superintendent Smith said.
"The consequences of the robbery and the threats made to the victim put the consequences (of Mr English's death) on the victim."
The apartment block on View Avenue remains a crime scene as investigations continue. 9News
Police are attempting to piece together what transpired at the drug-fuelled party. 9News
The men, aged 18, 20 and 22, were arrested overnight and have all been charged with murder and two counts of armed robbery.
Police are also investigating possible links to a series of armed robberies of chemists.
All three men are expected to appear in court tomorrow, the 18-year-old in Beenleigh Magistrates Court and the two others in Brisbane Magistrates Court.
Four other young people, aged 16 to 19, who were found by emergency services in a semi-conscious state after consuming prescription drugs were taken to Robina Hospital in a stable condition.
Investigations into Mr English's death are continuing.
Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via crimestoppersqld.com.au
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