A man has been sentenced to six-and-a-half years in jail for his involvement in the death of Darcy Schafer-Turner, a close school friend, whose body was discovered in a metal cabinet discarded in a creek on New South Wales’ Mid North Coast. Zachary Richard Fraser pled guilty to the manslaughter of Schafer-Turner, which occurred in April 2023 at a unit in Peakhurst, Sydney, during a drug-related dispute.
The court heard that Schafer-Turner was placed in a chokehold by another individual, whose identity remains protected for legal reasons, before Fraser assisted in restraining him with duct tape and sat on his legs. Schafer-Turner lost consciousness, and his death was attributed to suffocation. According to the agreed facts presented in court, Fraser believed his friend owed the other man $50,000 and was under the impression that the plan was merely to coerce Schafer-Turner into settling the debt.
Details of the Crime and Sentencing
The NSW Supreme Court was informed that Fraser later paid another man $20,000 to dispose of Schafer-Turner’s body. Justice Nicholas Chen acknowledged the profound impact of Schafer-Turner’s death on his family, describing him as a man “unconditionally loved by his family.” His mother remembered him as a son with an “adventurous spirit and a bright future,” while his sister described him as a “funny and caring brother” with numerous dreams and aspirations.
Fraser’s defense argued that his role was “plainly subordinate” and “limited temporally,” suggesting the incident was “essentially spontaneous.” However, Justice Chen noted that while Fraser’s actions might have been limited, their significance was undeniable. The judge characterized the case as a “moderately serious case of manslaughter” and took into account Fraser’s limited criminal history, mental health issues, and expressed remorse, as outlined in a letter to the court. Fraser received a 25 percent sentence reduction for his guilty plea, resulting in a non-parole period of just over four years, making him eligible for release in July 2027.
The Role of the ‘Cleaner’
The court also heard about Charles Dennis Turnbull, who acted as a cleaner in the aftermath of the crime. Turnbull traveled from Queensland to Sydney, where he purchased various supplies, including respirators, microfibre cloths, duct tape, cleaning fluid, chlorine, gloves, cable ties, and the metal cabinet used to conceal Schafer-Turner’s body. He and the other men placed the body in the cabinet, which was later dumped in Warrell Creek near Macksville using a boat bought from Facebook Marketplace. Police discovered the body the following month.
Turnbull pled guilty to being an accessory after the fact to manslaughter and was previously sentenced to at least two years in prison.
Implications and Reflections
This case highlights the tragic consequences of drug-related disputes and the ripple effects of crime on families and communities. It also underscores the complexities of legal proceedings in cases involving multiple defendants and varying degrees of involvement. The sentencing reflects the court’s attempt to balance the severity of the crime with the individual circumstances of those involved.
As Fraser serves his sentence, the legal system continues to grapple with the challenges of addressing drug-related crimes and their often devastating outcomes. The case serves as a somber reminder of the need for preventive measures and support systems to address the root causes of such disputes.
Looking forward, the community and legal authorities may consider this case as a catalyst for discussions on improving interventions and support for individuals at risk of becoming involved in criminal activities. The hope is to prevent similar tragedies and foster a safer environment for all.
