Son of Melbourne Man Killed in Bali Returns to Scene, Shares Heartbreaking Letter
The son of a Melbourne man fatally shot in Indonesia last year has made an emotional journey back to the island where his father was killed, sharing a devastating letter that details the family's profound and ongoing grief. Zivan "Stipe" Radmanovic, a 32-year-old father of six, was shot dead at Villa Casa Santisya in Munggu, Bali, in June, reportedly during an ambush witnessed by his wife. His friend, 34-year-old Sanar Ghanim, sustained serious injuries but survived the violent incident.
A Brave and Painful Pilgrimage
In a letter presented to an Indonesian court on Monday, one of Radmanovic's children described taking a "brave step" to return to the location where his father's life was tragically cut short. "I came to the island where you were taken from us — not by your own choice, but because a man ordered three others to commit a crime and brutally shot you, stealing your life away," the letter poignantly read. The son expressed that he visited the last place his father was on earth, adding, "We never got to say goodbye, but I imagine that, as you lay on that bathroom floor fighting for your life, you were thinking of us."
Life Forever Altered by Loss
The letter powerfully conveys how the family's world has been irrevocably shattered since Radmanovic's death. "This past year has left mum, your daughters, and me with a deep and overwhelming grief," it stated. The son revealed that while the family attempts to be strong on some days, they mostly struggle with the void left by his absence. He noted that cherished memories have been overshadowed by relentless media coverage of the trial and the individuals accused of the crime. "Our birthdays, Christmas, and every celebration will never be the same again. Life feels so fragile now, and this loss has left a permanent scar on our hearts," the letter lamented.
A Vow to Pursue Justice
Despite the anguish, the son vowed that the family would persist in their fight for justice. The letter concluded with a heartfelt plea: "Please watch over us and pray for us from above, that we will continue to be strong and keep fighting for justice for you, so that you may finally rest in peace." This commitment underscores the family's determination to see accountability for the alleged murder.
Three Australian Men Charged in the Case
Three Australian men, dubbed the "Bali 3," have been formally charged in connection with Radmanovic's alleged murder. The accused are 27-year-old Darcy Jenson, 22-year-old Mevlut Coskun, and 26-year-old Paea I Middlemore Tupou. Coskun and Tupou, both from Melbourne, are accused of carrying out the shooting before fleeing the villa, allegedly using a sledgehammer to break through a door during their escape.
Jenson, a Sydney-based plumber, is alleged to have assisted in planning and facilitating the attack, including organizing accommodation and vehicles for the operation. In a letter to the court, Jenson claimed that a "manipulative Australian national" masterminded the scheme and misled him into booking rooms, renting vehicles, and purchasing equipment without his knowledge of the alleged plan. He argued that his actions prior to the crime were not indicative of someone knowingly engaging in criminal activity, stating, "I used my personal phone number, my passport and driving licence for all accommodations and vehicle bookings. I made all purchases openly without attempting to conceal my identity or cover my face."
The trio have spent over eight months in custody awaiting trial, with their fate expected to be determined soon as legal proceedings advance in the Denpasar District Court. The case has drawn significant attention, highlighting issues of cross-border crime and the profound impact on victims' families seeking closure and justice in international jurisdictions.
