Police hunt fugitives after second arrest over suburban stabbing murder
A second man has been arrested over the “horrifically violent” stabbing death of a 23-year-old man in Brisbane as police hunt two others.
A supplied photo of Thomas Myler (L) and Kyle Martin who are wanted in relation to the stabbing death in southern Brisbane. AAP Image/Supplied by QLD Police)
A 34-year-old man taken into custody on Wednesday is being questioned by police about the killing of Levi Johnson in Mansfield on Monday.
Detective Superintendent Andrew Massingham says Thomas Myler, 35, and Kyle Martin, 24, are on the run in the eastern suburbs and may be armed and dangerous.
Police believe the pair are hiding in Capalaba, Birkdale or Ransom and are urging them to hand themselves in immediately.
“It is in the interest of public safety that these two persons are brought into custody as soon as possible,” Massingham said.
“There is the potential for both of them to be armed and also dangerous, that is our concern, and that is why we are seeking assistance from the public.”
Specialist police are combing the suburbs for the pair, who may have changed their appearance such as their hair.
Massingham urged people to contact police if they had any information about the men but warned the public not to approach them.
“If any person feels that they are in any immediate danger from these persons, call Triple Zero,” he said.
Johnson died of his stab wounds after the attack outside a gym in Mansfield on Monday afternoon.
Two cars boxed in his car in the gym’s car park before four men got out and started smashing his car’s windows.
Johnson ran away but two men caught up with him nearby, and he was stabbed multiple times.
“This offence is horrifically violent and the way in which it was conducted is unthinkable,” Massingham said.
Stuart Galloway, 34, was arrested near the scene and has since been charged with weapons offences.
Johnson’s alleged attackers claim links with a group or gang called the 13 Kings, but police said it’s not a well-known organisation.
“The credibility of those claims is still being investigated,” Massingham said.
Task force Maxima, a specialist police unit focused on outlaw bikie gangs, is taking part in the investigation.
However, he said media reports about the attack being part of a “bikie war” were unfounded, and based on “supposition only”.
“It would be premature to try and make links to any outlaw motorcycle gangs,” Massingham said.
