Murder trial witness admits lying to police about victim
A witness who claimed involvement in a 2006 murder now admits lying to police in 2022 about knowing the victim.
In a Supreme Court trial in Warrnambool, a witness said he did not know Christopher Jarvis when questioned by police in 2022, but has now admitted that was false. Jarvis disappeared in 2006 from his home near Warrnambool, and Steven Frederick Johnson, 74, is charged with his murder.
The witness told the jury he had met Jarvis when he paid $100 for marijuana, and on another occasion when Jarvis failed to provide the drugs or refund him. Police records listed Jarvis as a contact.
Under cross-examination, the witness admitted he lied to detectives and knew Jarvis better than he first claimed. He said he has memory issues that affect his recall.
The defence is using his false statements to challenge his credibility as someone who allegedly assisted in the killing.
- $2,210 in unpaid rent
- Alleged motive
- Steven Frederick Johnson, 74
- Defendant age
Why it mattersAn admission of lying by a key witness undermines the prosecution's case and raises questions about the reliability of the evidence.
AustraliaThe trial outcome will determine justice for a victim missing for 20 years and affect a local community in regional Victoria.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 4 h ago
