Twin brother charged with murder after sibling's body found in backyard
Western Australia Police Force said detectives from its Homicide Squad responded to a “serious incident” -Credit:ABC News (Australia)/YouTube (ABC News (Australia)/YouTube)
A 29-year-old man has been charged with murder, a day after police say they discovered his twin brother's body in the backyard of their home in a south Perth suburb in Australia. The incident has been described as “incredibly shocking” by government ministers.
Ashley Bruno Grillo was charged with one count of murder and attended court via telephone on Saturday from Fiona Stanley Hospital. Police are holding him there as there are "significant concerns" for his mental health.
The court was told by prosecutor Sergeant William Peacock that Grillo had been confined to his bed to make sure the staff at the hospital remained safe. He added that they are hoping to later transfer him to a forensic mental health facility.
The case began after a family member who was visiting the brothers' home in Orelia contacted the police due to welfare concerns. When police arrived at the property, they tragically discovered Grillo’s twin brother's body in the backyard.
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In a statement to the media on Friday, Detective Acting Superintendent Jessica Securo said that police had also seized blades from the home that could have been used as weapons in the murder.
She added that the man's body had "obvious injuries" and the death was being treated as a suspected family violence homicide.
“This sort of incident has a profound impact on the family, loved ones and friends of all those involved. Our thoughts are with them, and we ask for privacy for them as the investigation progresses,” Securo said.
Ashley Bruno Grillo was charged with one count of murder -Credit:ABC News (Australia)/YouTube
As per 9 News, she added, “I can confirm that the male did have some obvious injuries; however, the exact nature of those injuries I’m unable to go into at this stage. This is a tragic incident, and the family is heavily distressed, and we are providing them with support.”
State government minister John Carey also spoke with the outlet about the crime, saying, “All I can say is, it is incredibly shocking. I think it’s shocked the local community, but we do now need to see the police follow through.”
After the body was found, photos showed that forensics officers were examining a patch of upturned soil in the property's backyard.
9 News reported that Grillo’s next court date is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 16, after which he will be transported to a specialist mental health facility.
Source: Crime