The remains of a man missing for almost a year have been found on Melbourne‘s outskirts, months after a trio was charged in relation to his murder.
Adrian Romeo, 43, vanished on February 10, 2024 after telling his parents he was going to visit some associates in Greenvale, in the city’s north.
His phone and bank cards had not been used since then and police are yet to find the 2004 gold Toyota Camry he was driving.
Mr Romeo’s remains were discovered at a Wildwood property, in Melbourne’s north, during widespread searches over the course of several months.
Robert Mantini was arrested in July and charged charged with killing Mr Romeo in Greenvale, according to court documents.
Two others, a 60-year-old Greenvale man and a 29-year-old Wallan man were arrested and charged with assist offender (murder) in December.
Detectives previously undertook a number of searches at the Wildwood property between July and December in an bid to locate any trace of Mr Romeo.
During searches on November 27 and December 10, a number of items were located and sent for forensic analysis.
Mr Romeo was reported missing to police four days after he disappeared.
Police had spoken with a large number of Adrian’s friends and associates, without any major breakthrough in relation to his whereabouts.
A significant CCTV canvas was also undertaken with police working through hours of footage to try and trace his last known steps.
Mr Romeo left his home in a distinctive gold 2004 Toyota Camry sedan, which has not yet been located but could assist with the police investigation.
Detectives previously released a photo of the car as part of their public appeal in the hope that someone may recognise it.
‘There is the potential that it has been dumped somewhere, stolen or sold and we’re keen to speak to anyone who may have seen the gold Toyota Camry,’ Det Insp Thomas said.
‘It may potentially be sitting in a street somewhere so I urge people to keep a look out for it.’
It has been confirmed that the remains found this week are those of Mr Romeo, and his family has been notified.
The investigation continues.
