A Victorian man has been arrested over the alleged murder of Yiel Deng Gatluak near Alice Springs on New Year’s Day.
The 19-year-old’s body was discovered by a driver shortly after noon on January 1, lying on a dirt road east of the city.
On Saturday, Northern Territory Police announced an arrest warrant had been issued for a 22-year-old Victorian resident, who was arrested by Victoria Police this morning.
The man will appear in court on Sunday, where police will submit a request to extradite him to the state.
The move comes after three men, two adults aged 20 and 21 and a juvenile, were arrested this week in connection with Mr Gatluak’s death. No charges have been filed against the trio.
The 19-year-old’s body was discovered by a driver shortly after noon on January 1, lying on a dirt road east of the city.
A Victorian man has been arrested over the alleged murder of Yiel Deng Gatluak (pictured) near Alice Springs on New Year’s Day
It is understood the Victorian man will be charged with murder once he returns to the Northern Territory.
In court, Yiel’s father, Deng Gatluak Koutgor, previously broke down as he explained the pain he felt over the loss of a son.
“It is really painful for our whole family, we loved him very much and to lose a young boy without any illness or warning we cannot express this feeling,” said Mr Koutgor. as reported by the Herald Sun.
“It was very difficult to travel during the holiday season, while everyone is celebrating the New Year, we have to face life without Yiel.
“We need answers about who did this, the police are working hard, but we want to make sure justice is done.”
On Tuesday, NT Police said the three men were “assisting police with their investigations”.
A vigil was held at the spot where his body was found
In court, Yiel’s father, Deng Gatluak Koutgor, broke down as he explained the pain he felt over the loss of his son
Mr Gatluak grew up in Melbourne before moving to Alice Springs two years ago after finding work as a mechanic.
a GoFundMe page set up to support his family with the costs of returning his body to Melbourne and the funeral, Mr Gatluak remembers as a “wonderful and loving son”.
‘His heart was pure and he was always happy and kind to everyone. He treated everyone with such kindness,” the fundraiser said.
“We ask that you extend your hands and join us in giving Yiel the funeral he deserves and sparing his family the financial stress and giving his family time to properly mourn him.”
In a statement, NT Police said the investigation into the death was ongoing and urged anyone with any information to contact them immediately on 131 444 and quote lane NTP2400000232.