The New Zealand man stands accused of murder after what was believed to be a road rage incident. Photo / 7 News Queensland Facebook
The New Zealander charged with murder over a deadly road-rage incident in Brisbane allegedly told police the victim tailgated him, made rude gestures and mirrored his lane changes as he tried to get away before a confrontation unfolded, according to the Courier-Mail.
Tamate Henry Heke, 36, was due to be
married next week but is instead behind bars, charged with assaulting 50-year-old Shane Merrigan and causing him to fall into the path of a garbage truck.
The Courier-Mail reported today that it understands Mr Heke has told police Mr Merrigan tailgated him down the Gateway Motorway on Tuesday afternoon while making rude gestures, following him as he changed lanes.
Mr Heke allegedly told police Mr Merrigan pulled over in front of him, so he got out of his car to see what he wanted. He alleges Mr Merrigan then got physical.
During the altercation, Mr Merrigan ended up in the path of the oncoming truck, allegedly after being punched or pushed, and was struck.
