Friends break silence after rising Perth doctor is charged over alleged chokehold death: 'It's a complete shock'

By KYLIE STEVENS, SENIOR BREAKING NEWS REPORTER, AUSTRALIA and ASHLEY NICKEL, NEWS REPORTER, AUSTRALIA Published: 23:29, 13 July 2026 | Updated: 23:43, 13 July 2026 Friends of a Perth doctor accused of manslaughter after a confrontation during a night out turned deadly have expressed their 'complete shock'. Christian Jack Joseph, 26, and a friend were returning home after a night out in Fremantle early Saturday when they allegedly spotted a man peering through a window of the friend's South Terrace home. They chased down the man before Joseph allegedly pinned him to the ground and placed him in a chokehold. When the man became unconscious, Joseph began performing CPR and instructed his friend to call triple zero. The 63-year-old was taken to Fiona Stanley Hospital, where he later died. A junior doctor at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Joseph was charged with manslaughter and remains behind bars until his next court appearance in August. News of the allegations has sent shockwaves through Joseph's close-knit friendship group. 'This is a complete shock to our friend circle as Chris was a genuine guy, he was very talented with just about any musical instrument, was very committed to his study and managed to balance it with a good social life,' a friend told media. Friends are in 'complete shock' after Christian Jack Joseph, 26, was charged over an alleged choke-hold death The Perth doctor has been charged with manslaughter over the alleged confrontation in Fremantle. Pictured are forensic officers at the scene 'He was a great mate above all else with an awesome sense of humour and was regarded as a friendly face to many in our year group.' 'I don't have anything bad to say about him. He always wanted to be a doctor and follow in his dad's footsteps, he was the smartest guy at our school by a mile, it's a complete shock.' Joseph's social media accounts reveal a passion for music, travel and his medical career. He is also a big fan of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, a popular martial art and combat sport, where the goal is to control an opponent using leverage and position by forcing them to submit using joint locks or chokeholds. He had previously won gold medals in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, including a white belt state title. Joseph was still wearing a blue forensics jumpsuit when he appeared in Perth Magistrates Court for the first time on Sunday. The court, which was filled with Joseph's family and supporters, heard the alleged attack was 'out of character' for the young doctor who is 'dedicated to saving lives'. The court heard Joseph's lawyer say he had acted in self-defence and was 'intimidated' by the older man's behaviour. A court has heard  the alleged attack was 'out of character' for Christian Joseph who is 'dedicated to saving lives' Christian Jack Joseph (above) was charged with manslaughter after allegedly choking a man he found peering into his friend's window The lawyer added it was unclear why the man had fallen unconscious in a short span of time. Prosecutors noted it was unclear what the 63-year-old man was doing at the window. It is understood police have CCTV of the incident. The magistrate noted the charge was too serious to grant Joseph bail and denied a request to suppress his name in the media.  'Any reporting will be worrying to the accused, but I'm not satisfied that there are sufficient grounds to suppress his name,' the magistrate said. Joseph is due to appear in Stirling Gardens Magistrates Court on August 5. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.