An 18-year-old has been charged with murder following the death of a Geelong father after his body was found outside a church.
Paul Grapsas, 40, left his home on Western Beach Road, near central Geelong, Victoria, about 10pm on Thursday and never returned after an evening walk with his dog.
Homicide detectives arrested an 18-year-old in Ocean Grove on Tuesday.
A Victoria Police spokeswoman said the 18-year-old had been charged with murder and would appear in Geelong Magistrates Court on Wednesday afternoon.
Police say the teen killed Paul Grapsas, 40, near his home on Western Beach Road on September 15.
The father of two, who was expecting a third child, was located by his pregnant wife, Jessica, around 4am.
Paul Grapsas (pictured left) was found with a fatal head injury on a street near his home in Geelong
The family’s beloved dog had returned, but not her husband.
She found his bruised body, seriously injured in the head, near their home.
Police sources told Daily Mail Australia the gruesome death had seasoned detectives intrigued.
“Nothing in his history indicates any reason why he would be particularly victimized by something like this,” a source said Monday.
This nasty attack worries detectives who, at this stage of the investigation, are treating it as a seemingly random act of violence.
The fact that Mr. Grapsas was walking his dog so late at night led armchair detectives on Facebook to speculate that something more sinister was afoot.
But the police source dismissed the speculation, suggesting Victorians living in affluent neighborhoods would not hesitate to go out for a nighttime stroll.
“If you live in a very affluent neighborhood, this never crosses your mind… it’s completely normal for people to walk their dogs at that time,” the source said.
On Friday, Detective Sergeant Tony Hupfeld of the homicide squad said Mr Grapsas regularly took his dog for walks at night.
Judicial police swarmed the area Saturday, dusting vehicles for fingerprints and scouring the area for clues.
Some neighbors said Mr Grapsas may have been attacked by someone breaking into vehicles.
Police are appealing for anyone who may have seen Ms Graspas out on Thursday evening near the intersection of Mercer and Malone streets, near St Peter and St Paul Catholic Church (pictured).
Paul Grapsas, 40, left his home on Western Beach Road, near central Geelong, Victoria, around 10pm on Thursday and never returned.
Victoria Police declined to comment in detail on its investigation, with residents telling the Geelong Advertiser the area was previously plagued by homelessness and anti-social behavior.
Some residents suggested an abandoned nursing home next to the Grapsas’ home was being used by homeless people, the newspaper reported.
“There used to be a lot more drug affected and homeless people in the area, but the recent tunnel work has pushed them out,” said one business owner.
On Sunday, a small bouquet of flowers was left near a rock in the street, near where Mr. Grapsas was found dead, just meters from where the couple and their two daughters lived.
Police increased their presence in the area throughout the weekend, with mounted officers patrolling the streets.
Sergeant Hupfeld said police were treating the death as suspicious and called on the public to come forward with testimony.
“The investigation is in its early stages,” 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 daughters
On Sunday evening, Ms Grapsas posted a photo of the two smiling, with the caption “my love forever and ever”.
In a statement released 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 family, friends and his church community,” the statement said.
“He was a devoted father of two young children, expecting a third on the way, and who had just received a promotion at his workplace.
“Known and respected in the community, a seasoned sportsman who loved golf, fishing and video games.
“Paul will be greatly missed by all those 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 asked to contact Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.
Police also want people with CCTV or dashcam footage to provide it.