A Supreme Court trial has commenced in Adelaide, detailing a harrowing account of a 2007 birthday party that turned into a fatal scene of "payback." Kimlong Rim, 38, is facing a jury over his alleged involvement in the murder of 21-year-old Thea Kheav outside a home in Parafield Gardens nearly two decades ago.

Rim has pleaded not guilty to the charge of murder. Prosecutors argue that while Rim did not personally deliver the fatal blow, he was part of an armed group of four men who orchestrated a violent retaliation against guests at the December 2007 gathering.

A Celebration Turned Violent

Opening the prosecution's case, Kos Lesses told the jury that the victim, Thea Kheav, was attending an 18th birthday celebration with his brothers when a dispute broke out between one of his brothers and a member of the accused's social circle.

According to the prosecution, the angry individual left the venue only to return a short time later with a convoy of vehicles. Armed with makeshift weapons including wooden planks, glass bottles, and a large machete-like knife, the group allegedly descended on the suburban party to exact revenge.

"They arrived at that party as a group and it's alleged they disrupted the party as a group," Mr. Lesses told the court, emphasizing that the men acted as a coordinated team.

Detail of the Assault

The court heard the confrontation unfolded in two violent stages. The initial clash began when Mr. Kheav was struck with a bottle while standing next to a female guest. In a desperate bid to escape, Mr. Kheav attempted to scale a gate into the property's backyard.

Prosecutors allege he was dragged back down to the ground, where he was subjected to a barrage of kicks and punches before being stabbed in the chest with a long-bladed weapon. Paramedics rushed to the scene, but despite resuscitation efforts, Mr. Kheav died from his injuries, which included a deep chest wound and facial lacerations. The weapon used in the attack was never recovered.

The Defence's Argument

Defence barrister Ryan Williams SC did not dispute that his client was present at the scene and engaged in what he described as "deplorable behaviour." However, he strongly rejected the characterisation of Rim as a murderer.

"What is in dispute is this idea that he is a murderer," Mr. Williams argued to the jury, stating that the trial's core issue lies in Rim's specific intent and actions during the chaos rather than his presence or angry conduct.

Justice Rachael Gray is presiding over the trial, which has drawn a 14-person jury. Justice Gray urged jurors to keep an open mind and withhold judgment until all evidence has been presented. The trial is scheduled to run for approximately three weeks.