By Benjamin Millar
Forensic investigations are due to confirm the identity of a man whose body parts were found in the Maribyrnong River last week.
A homicide investigation was launched last Thursday when a human arm was spotted floating on the river near Maribyrnong.
On Saturday, a local man saw a leg poking out of a shopping bag on the river’s edge, about 500 metres from where the arm was found.
Maribyrnong police’s Inspector Tony Long said further human remains were retrieved from the river on Sunday morning.
A woman rowing near the Maribyrnong Road bridge about 8am on Sunday spotted a plastic bag containing the remains.
Homicide squad detectives are confident this latest find is linked to the remains found in the river over preceding days.
They believe they have now identified the deceased person but are seeking confirmation by forensic examination.
The remains are believed to belong to a Melbourne man, aged in his late 30s.
A member of the man’s family came forward on Sunday after police released an image detailing a tattoo of a devil holding a spray can on his forearm. The image closely resembles the front cover of Sydney punk band Downtime’s late-90s album
Tooth and Nail.
Detective Inspector Mick Hughes said public support has been crucial to the investigation.
“The response from the public has been tremendous,” he said. “Despite the confronting nature of these discoveries, people have acted quickly and contacted police immediately.”
Investigators are appealing to anyone who may have knowledge of the incident to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
