Two brothers accused of beating their estranged stepfather to death in front of terrified students outside a Melbourne primary school have had their charges upgraded to murder.
Connor Edmund Harnett, 21, and Liam Robert Harnett, 22, allegedly attacked Andre Szep, 63, with their fists and a pole or metal torch on June 12, and were remanded in custody after being charged with recklessly causing injury.
Mr Szep died in hospital six days after the alleged assault, which took place in a reserve behind Strathaird Primary School in Narre Warren South at about 3.15pm, and was witnessed by children being picked up by their parents.
Victoria Police on Tuesday said both men had their charges upgraded to murder and would face Melbourne Magistrates Court on July 8.
Last month a family source told the Daily Mail the alleged attack occurred after “years of suffering and abuse”, but said they did not condone the violence.
“No one did anything, no one helped [the stepsons],” they claimed.
“[Mr Szep] did all sorts of things … stalking, surveillance, breaking into emails.”
The brothers’ father Shane Harnett confirmed to the Herald Sun Mr Szep was their stepdad “quite some time ago”.
“I’m gutted because a failure of the system is what’s created this, that’s all I can say,” he said on Sunday.
“I don’t know exactly the situation or anything like that. I’ve got to leave it up to the boys’ lawyers, I’m not going to mess my sons’ cases up.”
After the alleged attack the principal wrote to parents of the 760 students at the school offering support.
“You may be aware of an alleged assault that occurred in Strathaird Reserve next to our school,” the letter to families read.
“If your child witnessed the incident and you feel they need wellbeing support, please reach out to me … or the Assistant Principals and we will arrange it.”
Header image: Left, Andre Szep. Right, Strathaird Primary School (Google Maps).
