When human remains were discovered in a burned-out automobile, a man who had been seen naked and acting strangely on a boat north of Perth was charged with murder.
On Tuesday, September 26, Benjamin Jack McLaughlin was discovered in Cervantes, California, naked and acting strangely. He was taken into custody.
A red SUV that had been driven off a pier was discovered submerged in the adjacent ocean.
On Indian Ocean Drive in Nambung, authorities had discovered a man’s blackened remains in a burned-out Mitsubishi Pajero a few hours prior. John Matta has been named as the victim as of today.
At first, McLaughlin, a 19-year-old, was simply charged with impeding public officers, assaulting a public officer, attacking a person who was helping a public officer, and casting away ships.
On September 28, he appeared in court, and he was given bail so he could appear in court on November 16.
However, McLaughlin was back in court today following his apprehension by the authorities, where he was accused of murder, aggravated criminal damage caused by fire, and car theft.
According to police, early on September 26, McLaughlin crashed his father’s Mitsubishi Pajero on Cervantes’ Indian Ocean Drive.
Matta allegedly saw McLaughlin while driving a red SUV on Indian Ocean Drive and stopped to offer assistance.
The 38-year-old deacon was allegedly involved in an encounter with McLaughlin that resulted in his murder, according to police allegations.
The red SUV that was discovered floating in the ocean in Cervantes is the same model as Matta’s vehicle.
Today, Matta’s friends recalled him as a giving and compassionate man who performed a last act of kindness.
George Gerges said, “[He was] so down to earth and so humble and trying to help people whenever he can.”
“Our church community will undoubtedly have a difficult time healing from this loss.”
McLaughlin made a fleeting appearance in Perth Magistrates Court today. His appearance at Stirling Gardens Magistrates Court on October 25 was postponed while he was under prison.
