sport news Revealed: The incredibly vile act man who killed footy star's brother over a ... trends now
A man who mowed down the brother of a former NRL star in a 'brutal and senseless' killing stole cash from the deceased man as he lay on the road before fleeing to the Sunshine Coast to avoid detection.
The horrific detail surrounding the death of Jake Opacic - the brother of former Brisbane Broncos, North Queensland Cowboys and Parramatta Eels star Tom Opacic - was revealed as Benjamin Charles Johnson and Steven Dale Latter pleaded guilty to the 29-year-old's manslaughter outside a Queensland prison, all linked to a dispute over a relationship.
Both men appeared to wipe away tears as Rhonda Opacic, Jake's mother, told Brisbane Supreme Court of her heartbreak at losing her 'wild, fun-loving, loyal and loving' son in such a 'brutal' act.
Jake Opacic (pictured) was killed while riding his motorbike in 2021. Two men pleaded guilty to his manslaughter in a pursuit designed to intimidate him
Jake is the brother of NRL star Tom Opacic (pictured), who played for the Broncos, North Queensland Cowboys and Parramatta Eels
She spoke of her last words to her son as he packed for the weekend away on the Gold Coast and how she was haunted by the horrendous circumstances of his death.
'He was chased down, left to die alone in the dirt on the side of the road,' Ms Opacic read from her victim impact statement.
'Did he suffer? Did he regain consciousness? Did he call out for me?
'My mind is spinning around these questions. I try to make sense of why they tried to hit him.'
Mr Opacic was killed in a crash near the Numinbah Correctional Centre, in the Gold Coast hinterland region, on July 2, 2021.
The court was told he had attended the prison to pick up his then-girlfriend Rheannon Rowe, who was being released that day.
Johnson and Latter had spent the day prior consuming drugs and spoke of Johnson's 'perceived slight' with Ms Rowe continuing her relationship with Mr Opacic.
Crown prosecutor Nathan Crane said Johnson and Ms Rowe had previously been in a relationship for 12 years and they had several children together.
Mr Crane said there was a 'contemplation' of physical violence with Mr Opacic when they too decided to pick up Ms Rowe from the jail.
Steven Dale Latter was behind the wheel of the car that struck and killed Opacic. He then stole cash from his backback as he lay dying
