Chilling breakthrough in dog walker case

Paul Graspas, 40, was found dead by his wife beside his parked car in front of the St Peter and Pauls Church on Malone St in Geelong. Picture: Supplied
Paul Graspas, 40, was found dead by his wife beside his parked car in front of the St Peter and Pauls Church on Malone St in Geelong. Picture: Supplied

Police have charged an 18-year-old man with murder over the alleged random killing of an expectant father out walking his dog last week.

Paul Grapsas, 40, had left his home on the Geelong waterfront about 11pm on Thursday to walk his dog.

He was found dead by his pregnant wife Jessica near his car in front of a church in Geelong, an hour from Melbourne, at about 4am on Friday.

He had suffered severe head injuries in a brutal assault.

His wife panicked when she woke to find the family dog back at home but not Mr Grapsas.

She went out looking for her husband, leading to the gruesome discovery of his body.

A police spokesperson confirmed to NCA NewsWire the two men were not known to each other and detectives were working on the assumption the killing was a random attack.

On Monday, Mr Grapsas’ family paid tribute to the slain man.

Paul Graspas, 40, was found dead by his wife beside his parked car in front of the St Peter and Pauls Church on Malone St in Geelong. Picture: Supplied
Paul Graspas, 40, was found dead by his wife beside his parked car in front of the St Peter and Pauls Church on Malone St in Geelong. Picture: Supplied

“Paul Grapsas was a loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle and friend. A man of integrity who was happiest when surrounded by his family, friends and church community,” the family statement read.

“He was a devoted father of two beautiful young children and expecting a third on the way and had just received a promotion at his workplace.”

“Known and respected in the community, a skilled sportsman who loved golf, fishing and video games.”

“Paul will be dearly and desperately missed by all those he loved and who loved him.”

Investigators are treating the death as suspicious. Picture: Nine News
An 18-year-old man has been charged with murder after Mr Grapsas’ body was found in front of a church in Geelong, near Melbourne. Picture: Nine News
Police said Mr Graspas sustained head injuries before his death. Picture: Nine News
Police said Mr Graspas sustained head injuries before his death. Picture: Nine News

Police confirmed details of the arrest on Wednesday afternoon, and urged any witnesses to come forward.

“Homicide Squad detectives have charged a man today following the death of a man in Geelong last week,” Victoria police said in a statement.

“An 18-year-old Belmont man was arrested in Ocean Grove yesterday and subsequently interviewed by police this morning.”

“He has been charged with murder and will face Geelong Magistrates’ Court this afternoon.”

“It’s believed the man left his Western Beach Road property about 11pm on 14 September to walk his dog.”

“He was subsequently located by his wife on Malone Street about 4am on 15 September.”

“He had been assaulted and sadly had passed away by the time he was located.”

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.