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'Show you're not a coward': Karen Ristevski's stepson tells husband

Karen Ristevski's stepson has shared a Facebook post saying he would not wish any harm on her, following news the Melbourne mother’s body was discovered in bushland.

Part of Anthony Rickard’s post reads: "Boris you can man up and show that you are not a complete coward ... stop inflicting pain on Sarah and Karen's family".

The post comes as Ms Ristevski's family has publicly shared their relief after learning her body had been found.

Ms Ristevski's husband Borce was seen entering the Queen Street offices of Melbourne criminal lawyer Rob Stary on Wednesday morning, and was later deemed "the number one suspect" in the murder, according to his lawyer.

Mr Stary told Fairfax Media that Mr Ristevski was seeking guidance on what the discovery of his wife Karen Ristevski's remains could mean to the investigation.

Karen Ristevski (middle), pictured with her husband and daughter. Picture: 7 News

Mr Ristevski went to meet with criminal defence lawyer Rob Stary on Wednesday morning. Source: 7 News

Karen Ristevski's stepson has posted on Facebook that he never wished her any harm. Source: 7 News

Borce Ristevski and his daughter Sarah. Photo: AAP

When the Melbourne mum disappeared on June 29, Mr Ristevski, and the couple's daughter Sarah made a public appeal to find the 46-year-old.

Mr Stary said he has been advising Mr Ristevski since soon after his wife went missing.

Sarah and Borce leave a press conference in which they pleaded for information which could help find the missing mum and wife. Photo: AAP

"Obviously his wife has been found and there's an autopsy report been completed, he wants to see what that could mean,” Mr Stary told The Age.

"It's pretty clear police have him as their number one suspect."

When Seven News Online contacted Mr Stary's law firm office - Stary Norton Halphen Criminal Law Specialists - a person who answered the phone said there would be no further comment on the matter.

Karen Ristevski went missing in June 2016. Photo: Supplied

Ms Ristevki's cousin in New Zealand, Stephen Richardson, said he was both relieved and devastated.

"It's not a nice way to remember her, but you know the police from day one have done a great job and (we) are thankful for the police's efforts," Mr Richardson said.

Stephen Richardson said Ms Ristevski's family is devastated. Source: 7 News

Ms Ristevki's aunt Patricia Gray said she feels the same way.

"When they told me I was really relieved it was her, I am so happy we found her," Ms Gray said.

"I know the person who put her there didn't want us to find her, but we did."

Karen Ristevski's aunt said it was a relief when her body was found. Source: 7 News

She would not speculate about Ms Ristevki's husband being named as a prime suspect in the case.

"That's for the police," she said.

"Is anyone capable of doing this? How do I know?"

Officers search the bushland site where Ms Ristevski's body was located. Source: 7 News

Mr Ristevski told police his wife left their house on the morning she disappeared and was not seen since then.

The investigation into Ms Ristevski's disappearance enthralled media outlets and consumed detectives who would take CCTV footage home to study overnight, hoping they would find a breakthrough.

Worst fears were confirmed on Tuesday when police identified a decomposing body found in Victorian bushland as Mrs Ristevski.

Police at the Mount Macedon scene. Picture: 7 News

Forensic tests were used to identify her corpse, and the news was passed on to her family at their Avondale Heights home on Tuesday.

While her husband and stepson have both faced tough questioning since her disappearance, police are yet to formally identify any suspects in her death.


In their quest to determine the murderer, police will knock on doors close to where Mrs Ristevski's body was discovered in Mount Macedon Regional Park on Monday.

Strangers have left bouquets of flowers at the front gate of the Risteski's Avondale Heights house and Sarah's friends have rallied around her inside.

Media have been camped out in front of the property since news of the body being discovered broke.

A comprehensive list of friends, family and associates has been drawn up and intensive questioning is set to take place in coming days.

The grim finding has shocked locals in Mount Macedon, with the body discovered close to numerous houses and a golf course.

Local cafe and post office owner, Brad Eshuys, said many people use the park.

Karen Ristevski with her husband. Picture: 7 News

Police confirmed remains found in bushland are that of Karen Ristevski. Picture: 7 News

"It's unsettling it was so close to a residential area in an area that is well used by the locals," he said.

"I think bushwalkers would go through there, maybe mountain bikers, but not many vehicles. It's not a road to anywhere."

Police conducted a line search at the scene on Tuesday, and have urged anyone with information about suspicious activity in the area to come forward.


Timeline of Karen Ristevski mystery


  • Karen Ristevski was last seen at her Avondale Heights home about 10am on June 29.

  • She had not used her phone or bank accounts since she went missing.

  • Her husband Borce and step-son Anthony were questioned by police but released.

  • Police drained dams and searched the same road where Adrian Bayley buried Jill Meagher.

  • On February 20, human remains found at Mt Macedon, about 25km from where police were searching for Ms Ristevski

  • Forensic tests confirmed decaying body was Karen Ristevski on February 21.

- With AAP.