Police allege a 56 year-old Mooroopna man, whose body was found in an abandoned mine at Whroo on 12 March, was killed by his son up to six weeks earlier.
Traralgon man Nathan Missen, 26, appeared in the Shepparton Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, accused of murdering his father, Mark Missen, at Mooroopna between 25 January and 2 February.
Nathan Missen’s pregnant girlfriend, Tongala woman Ebonee Rohde, 30, also appeared in court charged with being an accessory after the fact to murder. Neither accused applied for bail.
The brief filing hearing before Magistrate Annabel Hawkins lasted five minutes and Nathan Missen was required to speak only when Ms Hawkins asked him if he understood he would be remanded.
Nathan Missen, who showed little emotion during the hearing, said he did.
Acting for Nathan Missen, lawyer Alex McLennan did not apply for bail on his client’s behalf but told Ms Hawkins that Nathan Missen needed to see a medical officer in custody due to concerns about his mental health.
Nathan Missen was remanded to reappear in the same court via video link for a committal mention on 30 August.
Ms Rohde sat with her head bowed for most of the short hearing.
Charge sheets reveal Ms Rohde is accused between 25 January and 2 February of assisting Nathan Missen to wrap the body of Mark Missen in a tarpaulin and secure it with grey duct tape.
When Ms Hawkins asked Ms Rohde’s lawyer, Luke Slater, if there were any custody management issues, Mr Slater said Ms Rohde was about four-and-a-half months pregnant.
Ms Rohde was also remanded to reappear in the same court on 30 August for a committal mention.
Mr Slater did not make an application for bail on Ms Rohde’s behalf but indicated he would in the coming weeks.
– The Shepparton News
