Family speak out as teens arrested over man's death 'after Grindr messages'
The family of a man whose body was found bound in bushland say they are still trying to come to terms with his sudden death.
Peter Keeley, 56, from Canberra, was found dead near Broulee, on the NSW south coast, on February 2 with head and facial injuries.
"All that can be said is we have been deeply affected by this tragedy and we are still grieving," his devastated family said in a statement on Thursday.
"We are grateful for the overwhelming support from family and friends."
The family thanked police for their support during “this terrible time” before requesting privacy to allow them to support Mr Keeley’s children.
Two teenage friends, both 17, were arrested on Thursday morning and charged with Mr Keeley's alleged murder, NSW police said.
They have both been charged with murder and taking/detaining in company with intent to get advantage, occasioning actual bodily harm.
The youths are due to face court at a later date.
A third 17-year-old boy was arrested on Thursday afternoon at a home in the Broulee area. He has since been charged with murder and take/detain in company with intent to get advantage occasion actual bodily harm.
He is due to face a children’t court on Friday.
NSW Police Detective Superintendent Danny Doherty said Mr Keeley had communicated with one of the teens via gay dating app Grindr.
"One of the lines of inquiry is the method of communication used by the victim," he said.
"That was investigated and a number of dating apps were used, and one of those was Grindr."
Officers said they seized mobile phones, laptops and other electronic equipment while executing three search warrants.
Det Supt Doherty said police were investigating possible motives for the alleged killing – including whether it was a gay hate crime.
"There's a number of motives that I can't talk about and can't elaborate on," the homicide squad commander said.
"We have to look at other considerations, such as whether there was anything drug-related, whether it was robbery-related, or whether it was a hate crime. It's unclear at this stage."
with AAP
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