Two charged with murder of NRL star’s brother in bike crash
Two men accused of murdering Jakob Opacic, the brother of NRL player Tom Opacic, on the Gold Coast have faced court.
Jakob Opacic, brother of former Broncos player Tom, died in a motorcycle crash but two men have now been arrested for his murder. (Photo: supplied)
The 28-year-old came off his motorcycle and died on the Nerang Murwillumbah Road at Natural Bridge on Friday morning.
Police say he was involved in an argument with Steven Dale Latter, 28, and Benjamin Charles Johnson, 29 who were both mentioned in Southport Magistrates Court on Monday.
Opacic, whose brother Tom plays for the Parramatta Eels, had reportedly been at the jail visiting a woman on the day of her release.
Johnson surrendered to police at Laidley about 2am on Saturday. Police impounded a vehicle found in that area which is undergoing forensic examination.
Latter was arrested on the Sunshine Coast on Saturday afternoon.
Johnson appeared in the dock, removing his face mask to mouth ‘Love you, mum” to his mother in the court gallery who wiped away tears as he was led from the court.
Both men did not apply for bail and were remanded in custody for mention on August 3.
“Police will allege the two men were in a vehicle when, for circumstances still under investigation, a 28-year-old motorcyclist from Bracalba crashed around 10.10am. He sustained life-threatening injuries and died at the scene,” police said in a statement late on Sunday.
Investigations continue.
