Detective Inspector Matt Innes (left) speaks about how 49-year-old Paul Bruce Bray (right) has been charged with murder. Photo: Albert McKnight.
Two neighbours were drinking in a south Canberra caravan park when they allegedly got into a fight that ultimately ended with the death of one and the other being charged with murder.
Paul Bruce Bray, 49, and 31-year-old Matthew McGrail were drinking alcohol in the Southside Village caravan park, Symonston, on Monday evening (15 September) when they allegedly got into an argument.
This allegedly escalated into a fight that ended with Mr McGrail unconscious at Bray’s front door.
Bray called police to report what happened and, a court later heard, raised the question of how he may have acted in self-defence.
Paramedics arrived and took Mr McGrail to Canberra Hospital in a critical condition, but he tragically died from his injuries on Friday (19 September).
Bray was charged with recklessly inflicting grievous bodily harm when he faced the ACT Magistrates Court earlier this week and was granted bail.
At the time, the court heard it was unclear whether Mr McGrail would recover.
After Mr McGrail died on Friday, Bray attended a police station and was charged with murder.
“At this time, we’re exploring a number of aspects in relation to the case, including discussions or events that took place prior to the man dying and the altercation taking place on Monday,” ACT Policing’s Detective Inspector Matt Innes told media.
“We’re asking anyone who had any interactions with either man prior to the assault to come forward.”
He said the men knew each other as they were both residents of the caravan park and police did not believe the alleged assault involved weapons, describing it as “a physical altercation between the two men”.
Paul Bruce Bray (right) leaves the ACT Courts after he was granted bail on Tuesday. Photo: Albert McKnight.
He also said police did not think anyone else was involved in the alleged fight, saying it appeared to be “a one-on-one situation”, and police were investigating any claim of self-defence.
An autopsy to formally determine Mr McGrail’s cause of death will take place next week.
Detective Inspector Innes was asked why Bray was charged with murder instead of manslaughter.
“We believe that given the nature of the incident and the information that we’ve already received, murder is the most appropriate charge at this stage,” he said.
He said McGrail’s family were aware of his passing.
“Obviously these circumstances are tragic for everybody,” he said.
“They were there the whole time. The victim was being artificially respirated and a decision had to be made by the family, so they’re well aware of the circumstance.”
Bray faced the Magistrates Court again on Friday afternoon where his Legal Aid lawyer, Eliza Wilson, said he would not apply for bail.
Magistrate Glenn Theakston revoked his bail and remanded him in custody to next face court on 13 October. No pleas have been entered.
If you have information that can assist police about the incident, call CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.
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