Home / Crime and Justice / Father and Son Slain at Birthday Party
Father and Son Slain at Birthday Party
19 Nov
Summary
- Man charged with murders of father and son at toddler's birthday.
- Victims were 23 and 54 years old.
- Accused faces drug withdrawal in jail.
A man has appeared in court charged with the murders of a father and son, Karl Gruber-Terrick, 23, and Dieter Gruber, 54. The tragic events unfolded at a toddler's birthday party in Clyde North, southeast Melbourne, in January. The family had vocally campaigned for action, with relatives expressing frustration over the delay in charges.
Joel Fitzgerald, 30, was arrested and faced court on Tuesday, accused of stabbing the father and son. He made no application for bail and remains in custody. Court proceedings revealed Fitzgerald is withdrawing from GHB and methamphetamine. It is understood that Fitzgerald had a prior connection to the victims.
Police stated that a fight erupted at the private birthday party around 9:30 PM, spilling onto Observatory Street, resulting in the fatal stabbings. The Fitzroy Stars Football Club, where Karl Gruber-Terrick Jnr was a player, paid tribute to the "true gentleman." The investigation involved extensive digital data and CCTV, contributing to a longer than usual compilation of evidence.
