Teen suspect in Pinay's rape-slay in Australia to seek bail

Published June 4, 2013 4:00pm

The camp of the 18-year-old suspect in the rape and murder of Filipina Joan Ryther will be seeking bail, a report from the ABC news site said. Lawyer Michael Bosscher told ABC News that they intend to seek a Supreme Court bail application for the suspect because the police said it will take six to 12 months to complete a full brief of evidence.

The suspect, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was from Cherbourg in southern Queensland.

The suspect was arrested on Friday, over a week after the crime was committed.

He appeared in court on Saturday where he was charged with murder, rape, and the unlawful assault of a pregnant woman.

Meanwhile, supporters of the teenager gathered outside court and called out for calm in the community.

“The young man's now been arrested, he's been charged,” Aboriginal elder Sam Watson told ABC news adding “Please, everyone should just back off and now let the matter proceed through the courts.”

The suspect is currently in custody and will be attending court on August for his second appearance. The report said Cory Ryther, the husband of Joan, appeared uncomfortable during the hearing, sitting with both fists clenched, the report said.

Brutal murder

On May 21, the half-naked body of Joan was found in a lot near her usual route to work. Her head seemed to have been hit by a blunt object and her clothes indicated that she was sexually assaulted.

Joan was 27 years old and two months pregnant during the time of the incident.

Cory earlier vowed to seek justice, saying, "For as long as I live, I will make sure that justice will be served. She will not be forgotten.”

The incident has grown to be a national issue in Australia as the Filipino-Australian community and the Rythers' neighbors in Logan held rallies and other events to speak out against violence.

The Rythers' supporters have also started a donation drive and have already raised 9,000 Australian dollars (roughly P360,000) for the repatriation of Joan's remains back to the Philippines. - Andrei Medina, VVP, GMA News

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