Melinda Freeman was found dead in a Whittlesea home.

The case of a decades-old murder has resurfaced, as Craig Freeman, now 63, prepares to stand trial for the alleged murder of his wife, Melinda Freeman, which occurred over 30 years ago. Charged in 2025, Freeman is accused of committing the crime that has remained a mystery for so long.

According to Freeman’s account, he discovered his wife’s lifeless body on the upper landing of their two-storey home. This shocking find came after he returned home with their son to discover the front door ajar, suggesting a break-in.

Police say the 27-year-old woman was found dead in a ransacked Whittlesea home, in Melbourne‘s outer north, on October 4, 1991, after she was assaulted.
Melinda Freeman was found dead in a Whittlesea home.
Melinda Freeman was found dead in a Whittlesea home.(Supplied)

In a recent court decision, Freeman was granted bail, with his current wife providing a $500,000 surety to secure his release. The prosecution did not contest the bail application, and Justice Michael Croucher cited Freeman’s exceptional circumstances, noting that the case against him relies heavily on circumstantial evidence. A significant aspect of the trial will be determining the identity of the true perpetrator.

Standing before the court, Freeman has entered a plea of not guilty to the charge of murder, setting the stage for what promises to be a highly scrutinized legal battle.

Justice Michael Croucher found Freeman had demonstrated exceptional circumstances to permit his release on bail, including that the prosecution’s case was circumstantial and an issue at trial would be the alleged killer’s identity.

Freeman faced Melbourne Magistrates Court today, where his lawyer Paul Galbally said his client had elected to send the matter to the Supreme Court.

The accused killer stood as he pleaded not guilty to one count of murder.

Magistrate Stephen Ballek ordered Freeman face the Supreme Court for a directions hearing on March 26.
Freeman was placed on trial bail with conditions including he not leave Victoria, report to police twice a week, and not contact any prosecution witnesses.

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