TEEN has been charged with murder in connection with the 2023 death of Rodney Piper. According to reports, the case follows a fatal beating after a dispute over a stolen phone.

Mr Piper, 33, of Golden Grove, was attacked on September 9, 2023. At the time, he had confronted a group he believed took his phone.

During the incident, he suffered severe injuries. As a result, he fell into a coma shortly after the attack.

He was then taken to the Intensive Care Unit at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre. Despite medical care, he died eight days later on September 17.

Following his death, a coroner’s jury reviewed the case. Subsequently, the jury ruled that his death was a murder.

In March this year, authorities charged an 18-year-old in connection with the case. However, officials noted that he was a minor at the time of the alleged offence.

Therefore, the court is treating him as a minor under the law.

He was first remanded in custody after the charge. Later, the High Court granted him bail on April 1.

Meanwhile, the case continues to draw attention due to the time between the incident and the charge.

Overall, the charge marks a key development in the investigation into Mr Piper’s death. As proceedings continue, the court will determine the next steps in the case.