Man charged over death of man at Fitzroy Gardens

A 36-year-old man has been charged after a man died following an alleged “physical altercation” at the Fitzroy Gardens on August 21.

Police allege the man fatally assaulted the 52-year-old victim at about 6.50am. Paramedics treated the Ringwood man at the scene, but he died shortly after.

A man of no fixed address was charged with one count of murder after he was taken to hospital under police guard following the incident.

He appeared before a bail justice where he was remanded in custody to reappear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on August 22.

Police condoned off a section of the park while detectives searched the scene for clues.  

A police marquee was also set up with officers collecting multiple brown paper bags of evidence.

Police said the exact circumstances were yet to be determined and investigators would like to speak to any witnesses or anyone who saw unusual behaviour in the area prior to the incident.

Resident Genevieve Morgan said she was walking her dogs in the Fitzroy Gardens at 7am on the morning of the alleged murder where she saw police and ambulance vehicles. 

“I told my daughter someone is dead,” she said. 

We all walk through the Fitzroy Gardens all the time. I’ve always felt safe there. I wouldn’t walk in the dark now.

“My attitude has changed. I’ve been pretty blasé until now. I’ve always felt safe. I’ve never seen anything bad. I walk through there every day.”

In a message to the community, Victoria Police said significant police patrols would be conducted around the precinct over the coming weeks including the Fitzroy Gardens and Albert St.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au •