THERE were emotional scenes in court this morning with four of the boys charged with the murder of Mandurah man Tauri Litchfield found guilty of manslaughter and one not guilty.
Judge Denis Reynolds said the death of Mr Litchfield was "not an accident".
The boy who was found not guilty of any charge will be freed from custody today and the four boys who were found guilty have been remanded in custody.
The judge's decision runs to 84 pages.
Mr Litchfield's family have spoken of their grief outside the court.
"Nothing will make up for our loss," Mr Litchfield's sister Kirra said.
Mr Litchfield's partner Lisa Emes thanked the Mandurah community for their support.
"Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support," Ms Emes said.
The five youths pleaded not guilty to murdering Mr Litchfield who died on March 17 last year after allegedly being attacked and chased by a group of up to nine boys on Pinjarra Road.
A sixth boy charged with murder had his case discontinued during the four-week trial which wrapped up earlier this month.
During the trial the court heard from witnesses including boys who were at the scene prior to the 28-year-old’s death.
A cousin of one of the accused gave evidence and told the court he suggested calling an ambulance for Mr Litchfield after he fell and hit his head on the ground.
A video recording of an interview between one of the accused boys and Peel Crime Unit detective sergeant Ryan Murphy was played with footage showing the boy describing his version of the events leading up to Mr Litchfield’s tragic death.
During the recording the accused denied trying to cover up for his friends but said he couldn’t remember much about the incident.
The boy said he had been “a little bit” worried about the victim following the attack and subsequent fall.
“I thought he was dead,” the boy said.
“I asked [the others] if they reckon he was alright.”
The boy said he then “took off” with the other members of the group and caught the train home.
It is understood to have been at least an hour before Mr Litchfield was found by passersby who called for help.
One boy charged with murder was recorded in a telephone call after the incident saying he had “put [Mr Litchfield] to sleep”.
The same boy was described as having punched Mr Litchfield after trying to pick his pocket.
CCTV footage played during the trial from Café Pronto, the Brighton Hotel, Mandurah Drycleaners and Mercedes Benz captured the group of boys walking along Pinjarra Road.
Digitally enhanced vision supplied by Bridgestone Tyres showed the wall from which Mr Litchfield fell with people running from the area.
Family members of Mr Litchfield, including his partner, attended each day of the trial.
Relatives of the accused boys also attended.
Children’s Court president and presiding judge Denis Reynolds will sentence the four boys on April 24.
