Two Islander grubs who punched a Brisbane teenager in an unprovoked attack face murder charges

Brisbane youngster Cole Miller passes away in hospital after a “coward punch” to the back of the head

Police today charged Pacific islanders Armstrong Renata and Daniel Jermaine Lee Maxwell, both 21, with grievous bodily harm over the assault of the young water polo player.

“DO you want to see something funny?” Daniel Maxwell asked his mate – and moments later young athlete Cole Miller struck the footpath face first, his brain so badly damaged he would never wake up.

Armstrong-Renata

 

The pair faced Brisbane Magistrates Court today and both were remanded in custody.

The charges are expected to be upgraded to murder.

The court heard Maxwell approached Mr Miller and his friend and asked them if they wanted to fight before Renata allegedly punched Mr Miller in the head.

The men will have their cases mentioned again in February.

Mr Miller was a member of the Brisbane Barracudas Water Polo Club and was out with a teammate on the night he was attacked.

They were taking a break from their busy training schedule.

He was due to travel to Adelaide to compete at the national championships on Thursday.

Cole Miller, 18, was knocked unconscious on Duncan Street in Fortitude Valley in Brisbane’s entertainment precinct about 3:35am on Sunday after a night out on the town.

Police said he was struck once in the back of the head and hit the pavement, leaving him with serious injuries.

He was taken to Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital in a life-threatening condition.

 

Mr Miller’s father Steven describes son as “beautiful, brave young man”

Police this afternoon confirmed he had died.

Mr Miller’s father, Steven, gave a brief statement to the media this afternoon.

“Cole was a beautiful, brave young man with his whole life yet to be lived,” he said.

“Our family and many close friends have been by his bedside since the incident.”