Godfather accused of brutally killing builder with gym weights has known him since they were EIGHT years old
- Man allegedly beaten to death by childhood friend
- Daniel McJannett was the best man at Matt Berry’s wedding
A man accused of beating his childhood companion to death with a gym barbell will remain behind bars.
Daniel Robert McJannett, 36, did not appear when the case was first mentioned at Southport Magistrate Court on the Gold Coast on Friday.
He was the godfather of the man he is accused of killing, Matthew Berry, 37, after his ex-partner found the builder’s body at his home in Mt Tamborine, on the west of the Gold Coast, shortly after midday in June. 29
Police will allege McJannett killed the self-employed father of two before stealing a large quantity of cannabis and a modem connected to the home’s security system.
Daniel Robert McJannett (pictured) was remanded to court, charged with the brutal murder of his childhood friend, Matt Berry, at his home in Mt Tamborine on June 29.
His solicitor, Jodie Allen, requested that the matter be brought before Beenleigh Magistrates’ Court on 12 July.
McJannett of Paradise Pointhe was unable to apply for bail in magistrates court due to the serious nature of the charge and bail was formally denied.
He was also charged with possession of a large amount of cannabis and being in possession of stolen property.
According to court documents obtained by The Gold Coast NewsletterBerry and McJannett have 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 vandalized but were able to extract CCTV showing Mr McJannett in the house.
Police have indicated they were not looking for any more suspects.
McJannett was best man at Matt Berry’s (pictured left) wedding in 2016
Matt Berry was found dead in a home owned by his mother and stepfather in the Gold Coast hinterland. In the picture, the police examine the crime scene.
“The scene came to the attention of the emergency services as a result of the death of the gentleman’s wife,” Detective Inspector Chris Knight told reporters on Thursday.
“And as you can imagine, to say it was confrontational is, to be honest, an understatement.”
Det Insp Knight said investigations indicated that Mr Berry was allegedly murdered by a friend with whom he had a long-standing relationship.
Mr. Berry had been in jail for drug-related offenses 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 quantity of cannabis and a modem connected to the home’s security system.
The Mt Tamorine home where Mr Berry was found dead, owned by his mother and stepfather, will remain a crime scene while investigations continue “for the foreseeable future”.
His former 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 am asking anyone with information to come forward and help police with their investigation. I just want justice for all of our family and friends, and especially for our two little girls.
Inspector Knight added that police are still looking for information, noting that “the investigation does not end today and we welcome any information.”
Berry’s former partner, Edwina, described him as “a loving father, son, brother and friend.”
