Farm worker given $5,000 cash to perform fatal amputation, court hears
John Yalu is on trial for the murder of Kalman Tal, who died after Yalu performed a leg amputation for $5,000. The court heard that Yalu used a battery-powered saw and left the scene without seeking help as Tal bled out. The jury must determine if Yalu intended to cause grievous bodily harm.
- ▪Kalman Tal, 66, died from blood loss after John Yalu amputated his leg in a public park.
- ▪Yalu was allegedly paid $5,000 by Tal to perform the amputation due to Tal's long-standing pain.
- ▪The jury is tasked with deciding whether Yalu intended to cause grievous bodily harm.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Kalman Tal paid John Yalu $5,000 cash to perform his fatal amputation, court hearsCBy Christopher TestaABC Far NorthTopic:CourtsTue 19 May 2026 at 1:11pmTue 19 May 2026 at 1:11pmTue 19 May 2026 at 1:11pmJohn Yalu is standing trial for murder at the Supreme Court in Cairns. (ABC News: Paula Broughton)In short:John Yalu allegedly used a battery-powered circular saw to remove the foot and ankle of Kalman Tal, 66, at a public park in Far North Queensland.A Supreme Court jury heard Mr Yalu told police he received $5,000 from Mr Tal to perform the amputation, which led to Mr Tal's death from blood loss.What's next?The jury has been told it must consider whether Mr Yalu intended to cause grievous bodily harm as it decides if he is guilty of…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at ABC News (Australia).