A jury in the Northern Territory Supreme Court has convicted Koang Wuordol and Guandong Guandong of the murder of 19-year-old Yiel Deng Gatluak, whose remains were discovered east of Alice Springs on January 1, 2024.

Their co-defendant, a 17-year-old whose identity remains confidential due to legal protections, was acquitted of both murder and manslaughter charges but was found guilty of the lesser charge of a violent act causing death.

All three individuals are scheduled to appear in court again for sentencing submissions on July 17.

Following a trial that spanned over five weeks, the jury reached its verdict today, finding Wuordol and Guandong guilty of murder.

Mr. Gatluak’s body was discovered on Undoolya Road, approximately 10 kilometers east of Alice Springs. The court heard that he was assaulted by the three defendants after being transported to the location in a Ford Ranger during the early hours of New Year’s Day.

The prosecution argued that the accused had conspired to inflict serious harm upon Mr. Gatluak, while the defense contended that the prosecution failed to establish the necessary intent for a murder conviction.

Justice Jenny Blokland emphasized that this issue was pivotal for the jury’s deliberation as they concluded their discussions yesterday morning.

After the verdicts were announced today, Justice Blokland expressed gratitude to the jurors for their dedication, remarking on the lengthy duration of the trial, which lasted “five-and-a-half long weeks.”

Sentencing submissions are set to resume in court on July 17.