HOWES ACQUITTED
A SUPPORTER of Gold Coast teen Michael Brack yelled out “you’re kidding” when his accused killer was found not guilty of murder in the Queensland Supreme Court yesterday.
Ryan John Howes, who was arrested in the roof of his grandparents’ home two days after the 2015 death, was found to have acted in self-defence when he stabbed the 16-year-old in the neck with a steak knife. Howes, 25, was remanded in custody on other charges.
Outside court, Michael Brack’s mother, Anja, said her son was not the “negative character” portrayed during the trial.
“He had a deep love for his family and a wicked wit that would often have us all in tears of laughter,” she said.
MICHAEL Brack was just 16 when he was fatally stabbed in the neck with a steak knife during a botched Gold Coast drug deal.
But the man who killed him has avoided punishment after a Brisbane Supreme Court jury found he acted in self-defence.
Following a day of deliberations, Ryan John Howes, 25, was yesterday acquitted of the murder and manslaughter of the teen during the November 14, 2015 drug deal.
The jury found Howes had heard “two clicks” from what he believed was a gun, before he knifed the 16-year-old in the neck. The 10cm blade went about 8cm into Michael’s body and almost severed an artery. He bled to death a short time later in a nearby Bundall street.
Howes was found in the roof of his grandparents house two days later.
Throughout the trial it was heard Howes had been drinking during the afternoon and night, before arranging to meet the teen and a carload of his friends at the Sorrento shopping centre.
Michael’s friend Reece Rowe gave evidence they were going to sell Howes 14 grams’ worth of cannabis for $160.
When he asked if he could have a lift to his house nearby to get the money, Michael said no.
Mr Rowe claimed Howes then “flipped” and an altercation ensued. But Howes’ legal team questioned several witnesses about whether they had ever intended to sell him drugs or had instead gone, armed with a gun, to rip him off. There was no dispute he had caused Michael’s death.
The jury had to decide whether a gun was drawn during the fight and if Howes then acted in self-defence.
Throughout the trial it emerged Mr Rowe had a replica pistol.
It was also shown texts between Michael and Mr Rowe where they appeared to celebrate acts of violence.
Members of Michael’s family burst into tears as the verdict was read out, as another uttered “you’re kidding”.
Outside court his mother, Anja Brack, maintained her son was an innocent victim.
“(He) had an amazing passion for love, life and had the potential to fulfil possibilities that very few people get a chance to.
“He was a very charismatic person who had the ability to talk to anyone as an equal from small children to the elderly.
“He had a deep love for his family and a wicked wit that would often have us all in tears of laughter.
“For the record, he was definitely not the character negatively portrayed during the trial. Believe me, this was my child.”
Howes remains in custody on other matters.