Breakthrough in murder probe after chef found dead in car at Morphett Vale, SA

A 22-year-old Perth man is facing extradition on murder charges after another teenager was found dead in his car.

Caleb Leriano was found fatally injured after his red BMW crashed into a Stobie pole at Morphett Vale, near Adelaide, about 1.30am on Wednesday.

He could not be saved and died at the scene.

Police launched a major criminal investigation after finding the 24-year-old’s injuries were “not consistent” with the crash. Detectives now claim he was injured in an attack before the crash.

“Police understand that Caleb drove his red 2003 BMW to near Sapphire Reserve in Morphett Vale for a planned meeting in the early hours of Wednesday morning,” SA Police said in a statement.

“The reason for that meeting and what happened is being investigated.”

Investigations have now crossed state lines and a man is facing murder charges in Mr. Leriano’s death.

A 22-year-old man was arrested and appeared in court in Perth on Friday.

The man is scheduled to be extradited to South Australia to face murder charges.

Acting major crime officer Detective Inspector Andrew Macrae said: “We are delighted to be able to share the developments with Caleb’s family.

“We will not be commenting further as the case is currently before the courts.”

Mr Leriano’s father paid an emotional tribute to his son, who was born in Kenya but attended primary school in Australia.

He later returned to Kenya to study and returned to SA a year ago; He moved first to Glenelg and then to Morphett Vale, where he worked as a chef.

Mike Leriano told the Adelaide Advertiser: “He was a 24-year-old gentleman and was enjoying life.

“He was also very passionate about going to the gym.”