Parolee charged with Murwillumbah dad’s murder in park brawl
Police quickly sealed off the Murwillumbah park where a father died during a wild brawl . Photo: Twitter/ABC
A father has been stabbed to death on his birthday after rushing to save his 18-year-old son who had been caught up in a daylight brawl in northern NSW.
James Paul Alderton, 22, has been charged with the murder of Charlie Larter, 46, following the brawl at Knox Park in Murwillumbah on Tuesday.
Mr Larter’s son, Zack, was stabbed in the chest and taken to Gold Coast University Hospital in a critical condition.
After undergoing emergency treatment, he is in a serious but stable condition, a hospital spokeswoman told AAP on Wednesday.
A third stabbing victim, aged 29, suffered minor injuries in the brawl.
Zach Larter was stabbed in the melee that claimed his father’s life. Photo: Facebook
Alderton, who was on parole, was also charged in Tweed Heads Local Court on Wednesday with two counts of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
Police refused to confirm the circumstances of Mr Larter’s death, saying their investigation was still at a preliminary stage.
Detective Inspector Brendon Cullen called for calm after people used social media to vent their frustration and question the effectiveness of the parole system.
“People should remain calm about what has happened,” he told reporters in Tweed Heads on Wednesday.
“It’s about healing now and moving on with things.”
Det Insp Cullen said despite Murwillumbah Police Station being unmanned at the time of Tuesday’s midday attack police were the scene within three minutes of being called.
He denied brawls were a frequent concern for residents of the town.
“There is no concern for crime in Murwillumbah. I’m assuring the people of Murwillumbah that they have a police presence there which is serving their community well,” he said.
In mobile phone footage from the scene, a woman can be heard screaming: “Get over here now, hurry up. My husband can’t breathe!”
Mr Larter’s sister took to social media to express her grief.
“Well your last words to me this morning were I love you and mine to you – I love you. Way too young to die on your birthday RIP little brother,” Cathy Larter wrote on Facebook on Tuesday.
Alderton is due to reappear before Lismore Local Court on June 27.