Australian Men Accused of Bali Murder Face Murder Charges
Three Australian men accused of killing Zivan Radmanovic, a 32-year-old Melbourne man, in a Bali villa earlier this year are set to be indicted on murder charges. The case, which could carry the death penalty if premeditated murder is proven, has intensified calls for accountability in a high-profile incident on Indonesia’s island of Bali.
The Incident and Key Victims
The fatal shooting occurred just after midnight on June 13 at a villa near Munggu Beach, north of Canggu. Police say Mr. Radmanovic was killed during a premeditated attack on the property, while his companion—listed in reports as his partner—reported waking to stabbing screams and gunfire. Sanar Ghanim, a 34-year-old Melbourne man, survived the attack after the intruders allegedly forced their way into the villa.
Alleged Roles and Arrests
Indonesian authorities allege that the murder was planned by the three Australians: Darcy Jenson, 27, who is accused of preparing the attack, providing the sledgehammer to breach the villa, securing vehicles, and organizing the operation; Paea-I-Middlemore Tupou, 27, and Coskun Mevlut, 22, who carried out the assault. Jenson was arrested at Jakarta’s airport, while Tupou and Mevlut were apprehended in Cambodia and subsequently repatriated to Indonesia for trial.
Legal Proceedings and Potential Penalties
In July, all three men were handcuffed and asked to re-enact the shooting as part of the investigation. Bali’s prosecutors have now prepared for formal indictments on murder and premeditated murder charges. If the court finds the murders were premeditated, the defendants could face the death penalty. The Indonesian legal system reserves this penalty for the most serious violent crimes, including murder when there is evidence of planning or intent.
Statements and Court Process
Badung Police Chief Arif Batubara said authorities would announce motive and other factual details only after the trial determines them in court. He emphasized that while the defendants had cooperated with the investigation, additional details remain to be examined and tested under the judicial process. Following the handover of the suspects to prosecutors, lawyers for Jenson described their client as cooperative and remorseful, saying he had been assisting authorities and deeply concerned that someone might have died.
What This Means Moving Forward
The Bali case underscores the seriousness with which Indonesian authorities treat violent crimes involving foreigners. While awaiting trial, the accused face a decision that could hinge on whether the prosecution can prove premeditation beyond reasonable doubt. International observers will watch closely to understand how Indonesian law applies to non-nationals in high-stakes homicide cases.
Context for Readers
For Melbourne residents and others connected to the case, the incident has raised questions about safety in popular tourist destinations and the cross-border nature of criminal investigations involving Australian citizens abroad. As the trial approaches, families, supporters, and legal teams will seek clarity on motive, the extent of planning, and the precise circumstances that led to Zivan Radmanovic’s death.
