Homicide probe launched after WA man Elmars Kalajs dies in hospital following alleged Bedfordale assault
Elmars Kalejs, 53, was found by a member of the public in the carpark adjacent to the Settlers' Common Environmental Centre in Bedfordale about 12.30pm on April 18.
He was lying unconscious near the driver's side door of his silver Holden Commodore sedan, with clear and significant head injuries.
Mr Kalejs was transported to hospital in a serious condition with head injuries and broken ribs.
He died two months later in hospital.
Elmars Kalejs (right, pictured with his daughter Courtney Mallard) died in hospital two months after he was found unconscious in Bedfordale, in Perth's southeast. Picture: Supplied / WA Police
A member of the public found Mr Kalejs unconscious in the the carpark adjacent to the Settlers' Common Environmental Centre in Bedfordale about 12.30pm on April 18. Picture: Supplied / WA Police
Homicide detectives have now launched a renewed investigation into the incident, specifically seeking any information over the 24 hours from midday April 17 to the same time on April 18.
CCTV released by police captures Mr Kalejs walking through a shopping centre car park on April 18, dressed in a blue and black chequered shirt and black hat, carrying a black backpack.
Detective Senior Sergeant Jarrod Manson said even the smallest piece of information could hold the key to providing some answers for Mr Kalejs' family.
'Somebody out there may know what happened, and exactly how Mr Kalejs sustained these injuries. We want to find that explanation and we believe that's possible with the help of the community,' Senior Sergeant Manson, from the state's Homicide Squad, said on Tuesday.
Police have released CCTV footage of Mr Kalejs walking through a shopping centre carpark on April 18, as part of their renewed investigation into what they are now calling a homicide. Picture: Supplied / WA Police
It is not known how Mr Kalejs (top) sustained his injuries. Picture: Supplied / WA Police
Senior Sergeant Manson told the ABC police still did not know how Mr Kalejs sustained his injuries but assured there was no evidence to suggest any risk to the public.
'We understand (Mr Kalejs) was sleeping in his car at this location and there's been no other incidents that we're aware of, where someone's been injured in such a manner,' he said.
Courtney Mallard, Mr Kalejs' daughter, said her family were desperate for answers.
Detective Senior Sergeant Jarrod Manson said even the smallest piece of information could hold the key to providing some answers for Mr Kalejs' family. Picture: Supplied / WA Police
She added it had been a hard few months due to the 53-year-old not being able to meet his third and final grandson, describing Mr Kalejs as a 'loving, gentle man' who 'lived off the land'.
'Please just help, if you know anything it's OK, we forgive anyone who's done it. Just please come forward,' she told the ABC.
'We just need closure as a family.'
Blake Antrobus
Court reporter
Blake Antrobus covers Queensland courts and crime for NCA NewsWire. He began his career in journalism in 2015, migrating from Sydney's northern beaches to southwest Queensland. He has covered politics, crime, education and general news for newspapers across the state.
@bt_ant
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