By Victoria Stone-Meadows
A 56-year-old man from Vermont has been charged with murder after the discovery of a man’s body in Upper Ferntree Gully on Saturday 17 September.
The deceased man, a 39-year-old from Noble Park, was found by a passerby in a car park off Rollings Road shortly after 3pm on Saturday afternoon.
Homicide squad detectives attended an address in nearby suburb Vermont at about 9pm on Monday 19 September.
The Vermont man has been charged with one count of murder and remanded in custody to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court later today, Tuesday 20 September.
PREVIOUSLY:THE body of an unknown man found by a passerby in Upper Ferntree Gully on Saturday, 17 September, is being treated as suspicious by Victoria Police.
Early reports say the man, believed to be in his thirties, was found in a car park off Rollings Road just after 3pm, and as of Monday 19 September, had not been identified.
Other media outlets reported paramedics attended the scene, but were unable to resuscitate the man.
They said the body was found about two metres from the fence of Upper Ferntree Gully Preschool.
Homicide detectives are yet to determine the cause of death, and are investigating the incident.
Victoria Police Sergeant Anthoula Moutis told the Mail that “the investigation is current and ongoing”, and made no further comment.
Upper Ferntree Gully CFA Captain Peter Smith said “everybody” had been asking about the incident since Saturday afternoon.
“It’s the million dollar question, really,” he said.
“I think we’re all guessing it is criminal activity, but no-one really knows.”
The Upper Ferntree Gully CFA is based across the road from the crime scene, and Capt Smith said the location of the incident in particular was “disappointing”, but that it was lucky that no children were at the kindergarten.
“We’re thankful kinder wasn’t on today, because that would be horrible for the kids to see,” Capt Smith said.
He said there had been no incidents like this in the area in the past.
“We’ve had car accidents in the past that were drug-related, but nothing like this,” Capt Smith said.
“We always thought it would be crime-free, but now it’s moving to this area.
“I hope it’ll have minimal effects on the area – it’s too good of a place.”
The body was located in a busy area of the suburb, a short distance from the Angliss Hospital and other community amenities.
Anyone who may have witnessed any suspicious behaviour at the time of the incident, or who may have more information, is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or to file a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
