Man killed over alleged drug debt
The man who shot a 48-year-old father during a violent home invasion has pleaded guilty to manslaughter.
Te-Awa Mauratana Thompson pleaded guilty in the Brisbane Supreme Court on Tuesday to the manslaughter of Michael Menzel.
The Crown prosecution had laid a charge of murder against Thompson but ultimately accepted the guilty plea to manslaughter.
Mr Menzel, who was a single father to a 13-year-old girl, died from a gunshot wound to his leg during a violent home invasion at Gleneagle, southwest of Brisbane, on October 14, 2019.
The Crown prosecution had alleged Thompson was part of a group of five people who broke into Mr Menzel’s home while disguised wearing Halloween-style masks before the killing.
The group had gone to Mr Menzel’s house to settle a drug debt he allegedly owed Thompson and arrived at the Gleneagle home in a stolen car about 5.30am.
Each person was armed with different weapons when they entered the home, including Thompson, who was carrying a gun.
The Crown alleged Thompson found Mr Menzel inside his home and shot him at close range in the leg before the group fled.
Other members of the group were ordered by Thompson to control Mr Menzel’s housemate. His daughter was also in the home at the time.
After the shooting, the group fled in the stolen car that was later set alight.
Thompson also pleaded guilty on Tuesday to entering a dwelling with intent armed in company, assault occasioning bodily harm while armed in company, arson and stealing number plates.
Thompson’s four co-offenders have all been sentenced for similar charges.
His sentencing was adjourned to May 24.
