Terrence Tiumalu: Man charged with manslaughter for killing friend's housemate after losing temper
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA: A man was caught on camera digging a grave for his victim after killing him during an aggressive eviction attempt. Terrence Tiumalu, 31, faced the Supreme Court of Victoria on Tuesday, April 4, where he was sentenced to seven and a half years over the manslaughter of Brendon Farrell, 33.
Tiumalu was requested by his friend Richard Jackson, Farrell's housemate, to help evict him from the house he was living in. Tiumalu agreed and in May of 2021, he went to Farrell's house. In an unplanned attack, he impulsively assaulted Farrell by slapping him across the face, seizing him by the back of his shirt, pulling him down, and delivering several punches to his head and face, almost killing him. He then carried Farrell to his car and drove away.
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'I’ve still got him'
Farrell's body was in the car for several days, during which time Tiumalu contacted a friend and said, "I’ve still got him," as per 7News. A few days after that he said, "The dude has gone." The reason for Farrell's death could not be defined, however, Justice John Champion of the Victorian Supreme Court stated that it was evident that he was alive for an undetermined period following the attack.
"You could have given him a chance by the simple act of dropping him at a hospital," the judge said. "Your failure to ensure he received help was reprehensible and deserves condemnation."
Recorded phone conversations exposed that Tiumalu spoke to another friend about his actions being reported on the news and that he might face serious consequences if caught. The police conducted a search of his residence the following day and discovered boots and a shovel that were stained with blood. Furthermore, videos retrieved from a mobile phone that was seized during the search showed Tiumalu digging a grave in the backyard of a Noble Park property.
Farrell's body was found in Tiumalu's house
Upon investigation, law enforcement officials proceeded to the aforementioned property and uncovered the remains of Farrell, which were concealed inside a blue carpet within a canoe that was draped with a tarpaulin. During the trial, Farrell's mother expressed her dismay over the fact that her son was not treated with the appropriate level of dignity and respect, even after his death.
According to the court, Tiumalu had a fear of being disowned by his family and going to prison, which influenced his behavior and choices during that time, as stated by Justice Champion. He initially displayed a lack of remorse, understanding, compassion, and fundamental human qualities. Although he did eventually demonstrate remorse, Justice Champion noted that Tiumalu's efforts to evade accountability for his actions had tempered it. As a result, Justice Champion imposed a sentence of seven-and-a-half years on Tiumalu, with a minimum of five years to be served before he is eligible for parole.