Two dead in separate attacks as a third fights for life under police guard after 24 hours of horror in crime-hit state

An elderly man has been killed and another man stabbed to death in another brutal day of carnage across Victoria. 

Homicide Squad detectives have arrested a 55-year old man over the suspected murder of 86-year old Paul Waylen in Cowes on tourist-friendly Phillip Island.

In an unrelated incident just hours later,  a 32-year old local man was found dead 129km away in OBrien Lane in Moe, Gippsland, about 4.30pm on Monday.

The man arrested over the Phillip Island tragedy is believed to be one of Mr Waylens three sons, and was arrested in the nearby town of Ventnor. 

He remains in hospital with what are believed to be self-inflicted injuries. 

Officers had been called to the home, at the intersection of Church Street and Justice Road, about 10.20am on Monday. 

A police spokesperson said the victim and alleged offender were known to one another.

The exact circumstances surrounding the incident are yet to be determined, the spokesperson said.

The body of Paul Waylen was found dead on Phillip Island 

Cowes Foreshore at Phillip Island. The body of a man aged in his 80s was found in the town on Monday

According to neighbours, the property contained three houses, with the main home inhabited by an elderly man, believed to be the victim, and the other two houses lived in by his sons, the Herald Sun reported. 

One of the sons was described as being jovial and neighbourly, while the other was described as more distant.

One of the sons I wave to as we put out our rubbish bins and do the normal things, one neighbour told the publication.

The other son is not like that. He will not say hello.

Mr Waylen was known for his involvement in the local business community, having run an engineering business for more than four decades and serving as a director at San Remo Bendigo Bank, it was reported. 

The Moe murder hunt was launched after a body was found slumped over in an alleyway just off the towns main thoroughfare, opposite Moe Railway Station.

Channel 7 reported the man had been stabbed multiple times.

A 26-year-old woman of no fixed address was interviewed by police but later released pending further enquiries. 

Victoria has become famous for crime. On Friday the state released notorious criminal Tony Mokbel (pictured) from jail due to the actions of a dodgy lawyer 

Victorias crime epidemic has made headlines across the nation in recent months and has become a hot election issue for the Labor Government. 

On Friday, authorities released notorious criminal Tony Mokbel from jail after 18-years on bail due to the actions of rogue lawyer Nicola Gobbo.  

Just weeks ago, it was revealed the crime rate in Victoria rose by 13.2 per cent in 2024. 

The latest figures from the Crime Statistics Agency declared crime had risen to its highest level since 2016 in Victoria.

Home invasions, car theft, retail crime and family violence incidents all reached record highs. 

The biggest increase was in property and deception offences, which rose by 21.9 per cent in 2024. 

Anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit the website www.crimestoppers.com.au