Picture: TODD LEWIS
A CONCERNED Mount Gambier resident has made a passionate plea for witnesses or perpetrators to tell authorities what they know about the violent bashing murder of Bordertown man Rex Court.
Mother Samantha Hart felt compelled to speak out because she believes some people were not coming forward with vital information regarding the violent brawl on Saturday night along Commercial Street East.
Ms Hart’s comments come as Limestone Coast police yesterday ramped up calls for witnesses to come forward and seized the black Ford Territory believed to be connected to the shocking crime.
While a 15-year-old boy is currently the only person charged with murder, police are searching for more perpetrators involved in the incident.
“As a community, we need to make a stand because if we all sit back possibly knowing something, we are just as guilty as the people that were involved,” Ms Hart told The Border Watch yesterday.
“We are not innocent as a city anymore.”
The concerned mother urged people to go to police with whatever they might have heard, even if it was just hearsay.
“Go to the police and let them decide if what you know is just hearsay because it could end up being fact,” she said.
Limestone Coast Police officer in charge Superintendent Grant Moyle said investigators had obtained “valuable information” after receiving 15 calls through Crime Stoppers, however they appealed for further cooperation.
“Although we have had a good response to our call for witnesses, we would still like to renew that appeal and urge anyone with any information regarding this incident to come forward and contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000,” Supt Moyle said.
“Whether someone witnessed the actual assault, saw people involved before or after the event or after the event has heard information or had conversations with any witnesses or those involved, it is vital they come forward and contact police immediately.”
Major Crime Detective Senior Sergeant Mark McEachern alluded to the fact more youths may be involved in a press conference on Monday, which raised concerns with Ms Hart about the guidance children are receiving.
“Some parents don’t seem to know what their children are doing and are essentially letting them wander the streets and get into mischief.”
With young children of her own, Ms Hart was particularly worried about the fact children of such a young age are capable of something so “vicious”.
“It really does worry me there are children out there that can be so malicious and nasty,” Ms Hart said.
“You can see it on social media these days, they feel like they have a right to do and say whatever they want.
“Others don’t stand up to them because they probably fear something like this could happen to them.”
Despite the violent nature of the perpetrators, if there are more young children involved, Ms Hart said they should be given the chance to rehabilitate.
“I’m not discounting the poor people who lost their loved one, but I would also hate to see a person so young not given a chance to make a change in their life,” Ms Hart said.
“Hopefully for the ones that do stand up and take ownership, society can respond by giving them a chance to prove they can rehabilitate.”
As the community tries to come to terms with such a horrific tragedy taking place in our city street, Ms Hart said people need to come together.
“The only way we can get over these sorts of things will come together and care for each other,” she said.
