Balodis outlined an alleged version of events leading up to June 27 that “provides some explanation and motive, the Crown says, for these accused to commit the offence”.
He told the court that Nazlioglu was released from prison in 2022, having been acquitted of murder, and was looking for ways to make money.
It’s alleged that on May 17 and 18, Nazlioglu – with the help of Heffer – hired an E-Class and a G-Class Mercedes-Benz from a Lansvale business offering short-term rentals for privately owned cars.
While hiring the two luxury cars, Heffer allegedly gave her licence details with her Rhodes address.
“Now, Mr Nazlioglu did not return these vehicles since he kept the E-Class, and the G-Class was driven by an associate,” Balodis told the court.
The court heard a message was later sent to Heffer’s sister about Heffer being uncontactable.
“Her phone is switched off, and we are unable to get in contact,” the message allegedly read.
“Please advise us – sorry – please advise her to contact us immediately and return the car before the situation is escalated”.
Murder victim Yusuf Nazlioglu with partner Jade.Credit: Facebook
The Crown submitted that some men who knew the E-class Mercedes’ owner and were tasked with retrieving it visited the couple’s apartment car park in Rhodes and took the E-Class.
“[The car’s owner], it seems, has a passion for TikTok,” Balodis told the court.
“And on the 26th of May, he was up at Castlereagh Street … he was livestreaming. This was unfortunate because Jade Heffer saw his livestream and recognised the shops around them.”
The court was shown CCTV footage of a man getting out of a black E-Class Mercedes and a white Mercedes pulling up to it.
“That’s Mr Nazlioglu, and with the help of Ms Heffer, off he goes,” Balodis said, in reference to the E-Class being driven off. Balodis said there was “not much of a tale about the G-Class”, which was driven by Nazlioglu’s associate.
Balodis submitted there was some evidence that Khalid and the other man who they allege was in the VW Golf at the time of the alleged murder knew the owners of those luxury cars.
“We’re not going to lead any evidence that they have any personal animus towards Mr Nazlioglu,” Balodis said.
“The motive, we say, has connection to these cars”.
The court heard the Crown case included CCTV and mobile phone tower evidence and the jury was shown several CCTV clips during Balodis’ opening address.
One video showed the moment Nazlioglu was shot in the car park, with one man pointing a pistol and then running behind a VW Golf with its brake lights on.
Other CCTV snippets allegedly showed the movements of the co-accused in the lead-up to the alleged murder, including the burning of the getaway cars.
“In a lot of ways, this Crown case is made up of moments and preparations and one unsuccessful attempt,” Balodis told the court.
Opening submissions before Justice Deborah Sweeney continue in the estimated seven-week-long trial.
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