The father of an alleged driver involved in a fatal crash in Sydney’s southwest has been charged with hindering the police investigation. On March 15, 2023, a collision in Heckenberg resulted in the deaths of 24-year-old Alina Kauffman and her teenage brother Ernesto. Their family has expressed deep grief as legal proceedings unfold.
Kagadour Hanna Kokozian, aged 63, appeared at the Campbelltown Local Court on Wednesday, where he pleaded guilty to two charges: hindering an investigation and concealing the offence of another person. The prosecution argued that his actions significantly obstructed the investigation following the tragic incident.
According to court documents, Mr. Kokozian’s son, Johnson Kokozian, 22, was allegedly driving a luxury SUV that collided head-on with another vehicle. After the crash, which took place in September 2023, Johnson Kokozian turned himself in at the Liverpool police station the next day. He faces multiple charges, including two counts of dangerous driving occasioning death.
During the court hearing, the prosecution claimed that after learning of the crash, Kagadour Kokozian made a phone call to police, falsely reporting the vehicle as stolen. “It’s really bad,” he reportedly remarked during the call. The prosecution insisted that this act was “extremely serious” and indicated a deliberate attempt to hinder the investigation.
The court was informed that Johnson Kokozian had essentially fled to his father’s home after the accident, where he disclosed to his father that he had been driving the vehicle. The prosecution emphasized that this decision to call the police was made after he received this information.
Despite the serious nature of the charges, defence solicitor Oussama Elfawal argued that Mr. Kokozian was not fully aware of the gravity of the situation at the time of the call. He highlighted that his client had been compliant with police and had no prior criminal history. Mr. Elfawal requested that bail conditions remain unchanged, citing his client’s age and the lack of any breaches while on bail.
Judge Thompson acknowledged the “tragic and serious” circumstances surrounding the case, noting that the potential for a full-time prison sentence looms over Mr. Kokozian. The judge stressed that the final determination would be made by a different court in the future.
Outside the courthouse, Angelina Kauffman, the mother of the deceased siblings, shared her anguish with reporters. “I need justice for my kids… I have to get justice for my kids,” she said, expressing the profound impact the tragedy has had on her life. “It’s been hell… I’m just existing; I’m not living… but I gotta keep going for them, I gotta keep fighting.”
Kagadour Kokozian is scheduled to appear again in the Campbelltown District Court on July 17, 2024. Meanwhile, Johnson Kokozian, his girlfriend Tiana Savignano, and friend Cruz Pamoana Davis-Tuka also had matters discussed in court. Their cases are still under negotiation between the prosecution and defence.
Johnson Kokozian faces several serious charges, including manslaughter and multiple counts of dangerous driving occasioning death. Mr. Davis-Tuka has been charged with concealing a serious indictable offence, while Ms. Savignano faces similar charges. Both will return to court on July 30, 2024, without having entered pleas.
The crash that claimed the lives of the Kauffman siblings sent shockwaves through the local Heckenberg community, highlighting the tragic consequences of reckless driving. As legal proceedings continue, the focus remains on the pursuit of justice for the victims and their grieving family.
