A Northern Territory Police Major Crime Task Force has arrested two people in relation to the investigation into the death of 25-year-old Levi Griffiths which occurred in Coolalinga during the early hours of Saturday 4 June 2011.
‘Operation Houston’ team members made the two arrests this morning in Darwin. A 47 year old male and a 36 year old male remain in Police custody in relation to the hit and run and conspiracy to pervert the course of Justice.
NT Police allege that the 47 year-old male driver, an alleged member of the Hells Angels, departed the Hells Angels Club House in Howard Springs in the early hours in his silver Ford utility. The vehicle struck Levi Griffiths as he was walking along Girraween Road. It is believed the body was subsequently driven to the Stuart Highway and later discovered by a member of the public alongside the service road opposite the United Service Station in Coolalinga.
Police immediately commenced an investigation and allege that those arrested today, conspired to pervert the course of justice by attempting to mislead the investigation.
The Task Force have continued to utilise local and interstate forensic experts throughout the investigation. In addition to the two arrests, a search warrant was executed this morning at the Hells Angels Club House in Howard Springs as part of the forensic investigation.
Major Crime Detective Superintendent Jamie Chalker said the circumstances surrounding the death of Levi Griffiths led to a major crime declaration being made and the establishment of the Task Force.
“This incident has had an impact on the ‘tight-knit’ rural community and the broader Northern Territory community. To see a young man lose his life in this way is a tragedy and the actions subsequently taken will now be a matter for the courts to consider.
“This has been a large scale police investigation and we continue to work diligently on it. NT Police Officers have been dedicated to the Task Force and interstate experts have also been involved.
“We have maintained frequent contact with Levi’s family throughout this traumatic period and are hopeful our actions will help ease the heavy burden of losing their loved one.”
“I can assure the family and friends of Levi, and the community in general that this investigation has been a concerted effort and the facts surrounding the incident will now be presented as evidence.
“Finally, I would like to thank the members of the public who came forward with information which helped lead to the arrests this morning. The public are our eyes and ears and we all need to work together to ensure crimes are resolved. I again urge anyone who has information in relation to this death, to come forward now by calling 131 444 or Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.
Editors Note:
The media are asked to respect the wishes of the family who have indicated that they do not wish to be contacted.
Media Contact
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