The boyfriend of a woman whose body was found by her family during a welfare check will face court after being charged with murder.
Nikkita Azzopardi, 35, was found dead on Monday inside a South Morang home in Melbournes northeast after her father and brothers could not contact her.
Her two brothers and father drove to the home after she failed to show to a family barbecue the night before.
It is alleged that there, they confronted the 33-year-old accused, Joel Micallef, who had barricaded a door.
Ms Azzopardis older brother Shaun broke through the door and found her body.
Micallef, Ms Azzopardis boyfriend of two years, was arrested at the time and taken to hospital where he underwent medical assessments.
Police have been interviewing Micallef and on Tuesday afternoon charged him with one count of murder from his bedside.
He was remanded in custody and will appear before the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Wednesday.
Ms Azzopardi was described by Shaun as a gentle soul who would help anyone.
Shell do anything for anyone ... she didnt see the bad in people and always saw the good, Mr Azzopardi said.
Ms Azzopardis family came looking for her after she didnt show for a family barbecue and didnt answer calls
Joel Micallef (right) has been charged with murder following the discovery of the body of his girlfriend of two years (left)
Cops slapped Micallef with the charge following his arrest on Monday and hospital testing
Police are investigating the nature of Micallef and Ms Azzopardis relationship and living arrangements and the Reid Street residence was teeming with detectives on Tuesday.
Detectives were seen carrying items, including a safe, from the townhouse, while specialists worked to determine how and when the 35-year-old was killed.
Shaun Azzopardi arrived with family members in the afternoon to collect Ms Azzopardis car and belongings.
On Monday, Shaun Azzopardi told reporters hed tried to contact his sister by phone.
Micallef allegedly told them Ms Azzopardi was unwell and sleeping.
Mr Azzopardi drove his father and brother to the house to look for their sister, but said they found the doors allegedly blocked by chairs.
He [allegedly] barricaded the doors with chairs but I went upstairs and I went through the door and just saw my sister. I cant get that image out of my head, he said.
He said his sister was a kind soul.
You think its not going to happen to you, to your sister, your brother, but Im not going see my sister again.
The last time he saw his sister alive was at his sons 15th birthday 10 days earlier, which she arranged at a go-karting venue.
Investigators were seen carrying a safe from the house as detectives continued their work on Tuesday
Detectives have been working at the property for two days to investigate Ms Azzopardis death
Shaun Azzopardi said the death of his sister doesnt feel real as he tries to stay strong for his distraught family
In hindsight, if you knew if was the last time, youd be doing more, youd be asking more, youd be taking pictures, he said.
I dont know my fathers state, my mums state, my brothers state - how do you move past this, how do you get through it?
Mr Azzopardi said it doesnt feel real. Im trying to stay strong.
On Monday, Victoria Police Acting Senior Sergeant Shaun OConnell said investigations into the living arrangements of Ms Azzopardi and the accused were continuing into the night.
They both spent time at this house but in relation to their living arrangements, investigations are still ongoing, Sgt OConnell said.
Police Acting Sergeant Shaun OConnell confirmed the accused was not previously known to police
The exact nature of their relationship is still under investigation.
What I can confirm is that the parties are known to each other and that we arent searching for anybody else in relation to this incident.
Police confirmed Micallef was not previously known to them.
At least 70 Australian women and 14 children have allegedly been killed as a result of murder, manslaughter or neglect in 2024, according to the Red Heart Campaign which tracks and memorialises the deaths across the country.
Police respond to reports of family violence every five minutes in Victoria - totalling more than 98,000 incidents in the 12 months to June - according to crime statistics.
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