A complex homicide investigation spanning multiple crime scenes across Victoria’s northwest has been detailed in court proceedings this week. The case involves 49-year-old Robert Beck, who stands charged with murder following the discovery of an octogenarian’s body near a regional highway intersection.
According to police testimony at Horsham Magistrates Court, investigators require substantial time to compile evidence due to the geographically dispersed nature of the crime scenes and the volume of forensic material. The prosecution highlighted the exceptional circumstances, noting the presence of multiple mobile devices requiring examination and numerous items awaiting laboratory analysis.
The victim, believed to be in his eighties, was discovered deceased near the junction of Henty Highway and Finlayson Road in Jung at approximately 9:15 am on Monday. Authorities reported the elderly man sustained 24 separate injuries prior to death.
Beck’s arrest occurred Monday evening after police responded to reports of a man behaving erratically while armed with a knife on Horsham’s Firebrace Street. Following medical evaluation, homicide detectives formally charged him the subsequent day.
Defense counsel Gemma Ross-McGlynn acknowledged the case’s complexity but opposed the full 12-week extension requested by prosecutors, advocating for her client’s right to timely access to evidence. Magistrate Timothy Hoare ultimately granted an eight-week preparation period while acknowledging potential future delays.
The court also heard concerning Beck’s mental health status, with disclosed diagnoses of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and borderline personality disorder. His defense requested medical assessment while in custody, noting existing physical injuries. The case is scheduled to return to court for committal proceedings on July 22.