Brothers on murder charges after argument over marijuana

A 16-YEAR-OLD boy accused of murdering his friend over an argument about marijuana had his case transferred to the Juvenile Court on Friday.
The boy and his elder brother, both from Kauwo village in Pangia, Southern Highlands, were charged with the murder of Jerry Joshua Piala on Aug 6 at Morata 3, Port Moresby. Police prosecutor Joseph Sangam requested that the younger brother’s case be transferred to the Juvenile Court because he was a minor.
It is alleged that on Aug 6 the three were smoking marijuana at around 11pm when they got into an argument.
The younger brother became hostile for no apparent reason and swung a bush knife at Piala, slashing his face.
Piala fainted and died after losing a lot of blood. The brothers fled.
The body was later found by Piala’s relatives.
The matter was reported to police and the brothers were arrested after police received information about the incident. Magistrate Cosmas Bidar denied the brothers bail due to the serious nature of the crime and had the younger brother referred to the Port Moresby Juvenile Court.
The elder brother would face the Waigani Committal Court.
Bidar adjourned the case to Sept 30 and ordered the brothers remain in custody.