An 83-year-old man accused of murdering his wife broke down crying as a crime scene video was played to a Sydney jury. Aaron Govendir has pleaded not guilty to murdering Denise Govendir at their Dover Heights home in 1998. Prosecutors allege he staged a fake home invasion after she asked for a divorce. His defence lawyer urged jurors to keep open minds and weigh all the evidence. The six-week trial is being heard in the NSW Supreme Court.
An 83-year-old man accused of murdering his wife in their Dover Heights home nearly three decades ago broke down crying as crime scene video was played to a jury. Aaron Govendir has pleaded not guilty to murdering Denise Govendir, who was found dead in 1998. He is accused of staging a fake home invasion to cover up the killing after she asked for a divorce. His defence lawyer urged jurors to weigh all the evidence, saying the case is a criminal trial, not a whodunnit. The six-week trial is being heard in the NSW Supreme Court.
A Supreme Court jury has found former police officer Steven Frederick Johnson, 74, guilty of murdering Warrnambool man Christopher Jarvis in 2006. The jury deliberated for four days after a 21-day trial in Warrnambool. The court heard Johnson killed Mr Jarvis, his tenant, over $2,210 in unpaid rent, then buried him in Framlingham Forest. Mr Jarvis's body has never been found. Johnson did not apply for bail and will appear in court for a plea hearing on December 14.
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A Supreme Court jury has found former police officer Steven Frederick Johnson, 74, guilty of murdering Warrnambool man Christopher Jarvis in 2006. The jury deliberated for four days after a 21-day trial in Warrnambool. The court heard Johnson killed Mr Jarvis, his tenant, over $2,210 in unpaid rent, then buried him in Framlingham Forest. Mr Jarvis's body has never been found. Johnson did not apply for bail and will appear in court for a plea hearing on December 14.
Glenn Gary Cameron, dubbed the night stalker, broke down in tears while appearing before the Sydney District Court via audiovisual link on Monday. He previously pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting eight women around Moore Park and the inner west between 1991 and 1993. Cameron was arrested at Sydney International Airport in February 2024 after forensic technology advances. One victim told the court the attack had permanently changed her life. Cameron will return to court to learn his sentence on December 7.
NSW Police have contacted US forensic video expert Bryan Neumeister to examine a VHS tape showing the last known sighting of Janine Vaughan, who disappeared in Bathurst 25 years ago. The footage, recorded at the Metro Tavern, shows her getting into a red car before vanishing. Her brother Adam Vaughan said the original tape had never been examined and that copies have poor audio and video quality. Police said correspondence with Mr Neumeister is ongoing, and Mr Neumeister said discussions have been encouraging.
A Supreme Court jury will soon begin deliberating in the trial of Steven Fredereick Johnson, 74, who has pleaded not guilty to murdering Christopher Jarvis. Mr Jarvis, a 38-year-old father, disappeared from his Wangoom home on June 13, 2006, and his body has never been found. Prosecutors allege Mr Johnson, a former police officer, attacked his tenant over $2,210 in unpaid rent, then buried him and had his car burnt. Mr Johnson's lawyers deny involvement, saying he sought a lawful resolution. The defence argues the case rests on speculation. Justice Andrew Tinney will charge the jury on Monday.
The brother of Cheryl Gene Grimmer, a three-year-old girl kidnapped at Fairy Meadow Beach in 1970, has called for a body to represent families of long-term missing and murdered people. Paul Grimmer criticised NSW Police for failing to keep his family updated on the case over the years. His submission to a NSW Parliamentary Inquiry, which resumes public hearings on Friday, seeks reform in how police deal with bereaved families. Former assistant commissioner John Laycock, who also gives evidence on Friday, said the inquiry should be disbanded.
Former gang leader Duane Davis, 63, has been sentenced to 40 years to life in prison for orchestrating the 1996 drive-by shooting of hip-hop star Tupac Shakur in Las Vegas. Davis was found guilty of first-degree murder in August. He was tried for masterminding the killing to avenge the beating of his nephew at the MGM Grand casino. Davis has said he will appeal. Prosecutors have never named the gunman, and the three other men in the car have since died.
Duane Davis, a former Los Angeles gang leader, has been sentenced to at least 40 years in prison for his role in the 1996 killing of rapper Tupac Shakur. Judge Carli Kierny rejected his claims that he had changed since the 1990s, telling the court that Shakur's family and the world had been deprived of him. Davis, 63, was found guilty of first-degree murder in August. Prosecutors said he masterminded the shooting to avenge a beating of his nephew at a Las Vegas casino, and he has said he will appeal.
Police are seeking information about the death of Albert Pisani, a 27-year-old father of five last seen in Moe in October 1986. His remains were found in bushland in Driffield in June 1987. Police believe he was met with foul play and have offered a $1,000,000 reward. His sister Karen Pisani said the family still wants answers and asked anyone with information to come forward. Director of Public Prosecutions will consider indemnity for people who provide information.
Victoria Police have issued a fresh appeal for information about the disappearance of Albert Pisani, last seen in 1986. His remains were found eight months later in bushland near Driffield. Police believe he met with foul play and that his killer has never been identified. A $1 million reward remains on offer for information leading to a conviction. Prosecutors will consider indemnifying anyone who helps identify the offenders.
Family members of Albert Pisani have appealed for information on the 40th anniversary of his disappearance in Moe, Victoria. The 27-year-old was last seen walking on Prince Street on 10 October 1986. His remains were found in bushland at Driffield in June 1987. Police believe he was met with foul play. Detectives say they still do not know who was responsible and are asking the public for help to solve the case.
