Murder autopsy delay adds to family's pain

A grieving family have not been able to view and identify the body of their young relative who was murdered four days ago.

Trent Graham was stabbed to death in Yangebup but the Armadale man's family were told the earliest an autopsy could be held was today.

Mr Graham's cousin Marena Mane said the delay added to their suffering and the family had not been able to grieve properly because no one had identified the body.

"We're still waiting for him to walk through the door and say the joke's on you," she said.

The 25-year-old was to be part of his brother Trevor's wedding on Friday but it was cancelled as the family prepare to bury him.

Ms Mane said her cousin was a much-loved family member and a loyal brother to six siblings.

"It's been horrible, it's a huge loss," she said. "It's something we never expected."

Mr Graham's extended family has flown from New Zealand.

They are desperate for his body to be released because, under Maori custom, they believe it holds a person's spirit.

Mr Graham's body will spend three days in an open casket at a Mandurah home surrounded by relatives before burial. "It's just to have time with him before he is laid to rest," Ms Mane said.

"Basically it will be the last time we see him and we want to reminisce the times he had with us and celebrate his life.

"And just talk about all the memories we have with him."

Mr Graham was at a home in Bonita Place, Yangebup, when he was killed on Friday night.

Police found Mr Graham unconscious with stab wounds at 9.20pm after a neighbour called triple-0.

He died shortly afterwards.

Mr Graham's violent death sparked a three-day Statewide manhunt. Jonathan Sarantos was charged with his murder on Monday night.

The 28-year-old faced court yesterday and will reappear in Stirling Gardens Magistrate's Court next month.