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

A 22-year-old Perth man is set to be extradited on a murder charge after another young man was found dead inside his car.

Caleb Leriano was found with fatal injuries after his red BMW collided with a Stobie pole in Morphett Vale, near Adelaide, about 1.30am on Wednesday.

He could not be saved and died at the scene.

Police launched a major crime investigation after finding the 24-year-old’s injuries were “not consistent” with a crash. Detectives now allege he suffered the injuries in an assault prior to the crash.

“Police understand that Caleb drove his red 2003 BMW to the vicinity of Sapphire Reserve, 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 occurred is being investigated.”

Now, investigations have crossed state lines and a man is facing a murder charge in relation to Mr Leriano’s death.

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

The man is now set to be extradited to South Australia to face a murder charge.

Acting officer-in-charge of major crime Detective Inspector Andrew Macrae said: “We are very pleased to have been able to share the developments with Caleb’s family.

“As the case is now before the courts, we will not be providing further comment.”

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

He then returned to Kenya for studies before moving back to SA a year ago, first in Glenelg and then moving to Morphett Vale, where he worked as a chef.

Mike Leriano told the Adelaide Advertiser: “He’s a 24-year-old gentleman and just enjoyed life.

“He was super passionate about going to the gym as well.”