Police charge Melbourne man Robert Mantini with murder over disappearance of Adrian Romeo
Robert Mantini appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates' Court charged with the murder of Adrian Romeo. (Supplied: Paul Tyquin)
In short:
Robert Mantini, 58, has been charged with murder of Craigieburn man Adrian Romeo.
Mr Romeo was last seen leaving his home in Melbourne's north on February 10.
What's next?
Mr Mantini is scheduled to face court again in December.
Police say they will take three months to compile evidence against the accused killer of Adrian Romeo, who was last seen alive in Melbourne's north in February this year.
Officers arrested 58-year-old Wallan man Robert Mantini on Thursday night, charging him with the murder of the 43-year-old.
Court documents reveal police believe the alleged murder took place on February 10, the same day Mr Romeo left his home in Dempster Drive in Craigieburn.
Mr Mantini covered his mouth and said, "Oh my god", when he was brought into the dock at Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Friday afternoon for a filing hearing.
Craigieburn man Adrian Romeo has been missing since February 2024. (Supplied: Victoria Police)
He was wearing a green jumper and sat with his arms crossed during the brief hearing.
Prosecutors did not outline any details about the alleged murder and said they would compile a brief of evidence to provide to Mr Mantini's legal defence by mid-October.
Previously, police said Mr Romeo had told his parents he was going to visit associates in Greenvale and drove off in his father's gold Toyota Camry sedan on the day of his disappearance. Mr Romeo and the vehicle have not been seen since.
Homicide detectives stepped up their investigation this week, searching properties at Greenvale and Wildwood, near Sunbury. Members of the dog squad, SES and federal police were involved in the search.
The car Adrian Romeo was driving when he disappeared has not been found. (Supplied: Victoria Police)
Mr Mantini's lawyer, Dermot Dann KC, said his client suffered from anxiety and would need access to medication while in custody.
Mr Mantini was remanded until the next court hearing in December.
For legal reasons, he was unable to apply for bail on Friday but could make an application for temporary freedom in the Supreme Court at a later date.