Homicide detectives are on the hunt for a random killer who brutally murdered an innocent father outside his home during a late-night dog walk.
Paul Grapsas, 40, left his home on Western Beach Road near central Geelong in Victoria about 10pm on Thursday and never returned.
The loving father-of-two, who was expecting a third child, was located by his pregnant wife Jessica at around 4am.
Paul Grapsas (pictured left) was found with a fatal head wound in a street near his home in Geelong
The family’s beloved dog had returned, but her husband had not.
She found his battered body, which had suffered significant head injuries, a short distance from their home.
Police sources have told Daily Mail Australia the gruesome death has left seasoned detectives confused.
“There is nothing in his background to indicate he would be a victim of something like this,” a source said Monday.
The nasty attack is causing concern among detectives, who are treating it as a seemingly random act of violence at this stage of the investigation.
The fact that Mr Grapsas was walking his dog so late at night led detectives on Facebook to speculate that something sinister was going on.
But the police source dismissed such speculation, suggesting Victorians living in affluent areas would not shy away from taking a late-night stroll.
“If you live in a very do-able area, it never crosses your mind… it’s very normal for people to be walking their dogs at that time,” the source said.
On Friday, Homicide Squad Detective Tony Hupfeld said Mr Grapsas had routinely walked his dog at night.
Forensic police scoured the area on Saturday, dusting vehicles for fingerprints and searching the area for clues.
Some neighbors claimed that Mr Grapsas may have been attacked by someone who had been breaking into vehicles.
Police have appealed to anyone who saw Ms Graspas walking outside near the intersection of Mercer and Malone streets, near St Peter’s and St Paul’s Catholic Church Church (pictured) on Thursday evening.
Paul Grapsas, 40, left his home on Western Beach Road near central Geelong in Victoria about 10pm on Thursday and never returned.
Victoria Police have declined to comment in detail on the investigation, locals said Geelong Advertiser the area has previously been plagued by homelessness and anti-social behaviour.
Some locals suggested that an abandoned nursing home next to the Grapsa’s home was being used by homeless people, the newspaper reported.
“There used to be a lot more drug addicts and homeless people in the area, but recent tunneling works have driven them out,” claimed one business owner.
On Sunday, a small bouquet of flowers was placed near a rock in the street near where Mr Grapsas was found dead – just meters from where the couple and their two girls lived.
Police increased their presence in the area over the weekend, with mounted officers patrolling the streets.
Sergeant Hupfeld said police were treating the death as suspicious and appealed for witnesses from the public.
“It’s very early in the investigation,” Sergeant Hupfeld said.
“We are still trying to determine the circumstances of his death.”
Jessica (pictured left) and Paul Grapsas celebrate Father’s Day with their two young girls
On Sunday evening, Ms Grapsas posted a photo of the two smiling, captioning it ‘my love forever and ever’.
In a statement issued on Monday, Mr Grapsas was described as 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 statement said.
‘He was a devoted father of two young children expecting a third on the way and had just received a promotion at his workplace.
“Known and respected in the community, an accomplished sportsman who enjoyed golf, fishing and video games.
“Paul will be dearly missed by all he loved and who loved him.”
Anyone who saw Mr Grapsis walking his dog or heard anything suspicious between 11pm on Thursday and 4am on Friday is urged to contact Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.
The police also want people with camera or dashcam images to provide them.