An Adelaide man has pled guilty to the murder of his 20-year-old daughter, who was found dead in the passenger seat of the family car last month.
Petrit Lekaj, 49, appeared in the Port Adelaide Magistrates Court via a video link from the mental health facility where he is currently held.
Asked whether he would plead guilty to the murder of daughter Sabrina Lekaj, he replied “yes”.
Sabrina was found dead in a car about 250 metres from the family home in the suburb of Kidman Park, alongside her father, who had sustained several injuries to the abdomen.
Mr Lekaj’s plea, entered within four weeks of his first court appearance, entitles him to a reduction on his sentencing under South Australian law. The mandatory minimum non-parole period for murder in South Australia is 20 years, except in certain circumstances.
Sabrina Lekaj’s funeral was held earlier this month. Her mother Romina Lekaj spoke at the ceremony, saying it was a privilege to have the talented musician and aspiring radiologist as her daughter:
I hope that we all remember good memories and good times we had with Sabrina. Today is a chance to say goodbye to her, but it will never be goodbye — until we meet again my darling daughter, I’ll always carry you in my heart.
Petrit Lekaj is expected to face court again in November.
