Groomsman accused of brutally bashing builder to death with gym weight had known his alleged victim since they were EIGHT
- Man allegedly beaten to death by childhood friend
- Daniel McJannett was Matt Berry’s groomsman at wedding
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A man accused of beating his childhood mate to death with a gym weight bar will remain behind bars.
Daniel Robert McJannett, 36, did not appear when the case was mentioned in the Gold Coast’s Southport Magistrates Court for the first time on Friday.
He was a groomsman of the man he is accused of killing, 37-year-old Matthew Berry, after the builder’s body was found by his ex-partner at his home in Mt Tamborine, west of the Gold Coast, just after midday on June 29.
Police will allege McJannett killed the self-employed father-of-two before stealing a large amount of cannabis and a modem linked to the home’s security system.
Daniel Robert McJannett (pictured) has been remanded in court, charged over the brutal killing of his childhood friend, Matt Berry at his home in Mt Tamborine on June 29
His lawyer Jodie Allen requested for the matter to be brought before the Beenleigh Magistrates Court on July 12.
McJannett of Paradise Point, was not able to apply for bail in the magistrates court due to the serious nature of the charge and bail was formally refused.
He was also charged with the possession of a large amount of cannabis and a the being in possession of stolen property.
According to the court documents obtained by The Gold Coast Bulletin, Mr Berry and McJannett had known each other since they were eight-years-old.
The documents also allege that McJannett was caught on CCTV at Mr Berry’s home on the afternoon of the murder.
Police allege Mr Berry’s phone was found smashed but were able to extract CCTV from it showing Mr McJannett at the home.
Police have indicated they were not looking for further suspects.
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McJannett was the groomsman for Matt Berry’s (pictured left) wedding in 2016
Matt Berry was found dead at a home owned by his mum and stepfather on the Gold Coast Hinterland. Pictured are police examining the crime scene
‘The scene was brought to the attention of emergency services as a result of the deceased gentleman’s wife,’ Detective Inspector Chris Knight told reporters on Thursday.
‘And as you can imagine, to say it was confronting is, to be quite honest, an understatement.’
Det Insp Knight said investigations indicated Mr Berry was allegedly killed by a friend with whom he had a long-standing relationship.
Mr Berry had served jail time on drug-related offences in 2016 and was facing charges of driving under the influence of drugs and possession.
Daniel Robert McJannett (right) is accused of killing his friend Matthew Berry before stealing a large amount of cannabis and a modem linked to the home’s security system.
The Mt Tamorine home where Mr Berry was found dead, which is owned by his mother and step-father, will remain as a crime scene while investigations continue ‘for the foreseeable future’.
His ex-partner Edwina, described Mr Berry as ‘a loving father, son, brother and friend’.
‘My husband didn’t deserve any of this,’ she told reporters on Sunday.
‘His heart was huge, and he was always willing and able to put others before himself.’
‘I’m asking anyone with information to please come forward and help police with their investigation. I just want justice for all our family and friends, and most of all our two little girls.’
Inspector Knight added police are still seeking information, noting the ‘ investigation does not end today and we welcome any information’.
Mr Berry’s ex-partner Edwina described him as ‘a loving father, son, brother and friend’.
