HomeAUMan Set to Stand Trial for Wife's Cold Case Murder

Man Set to Stand Trial for Wife’s Cold Case Murder

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A man is set to stand trial for the murder of his wife, whose body was discovered in their home over 30 years ago.

Craig Freeman, now 63, faces charges for the murder of his wife, Melinda Freeman, an incident that dates back 34 years. He was formally charged in 2025.

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)

Freeman has long maintained that he discovered his wife’s lifeless body on the upper floor of their two-story house. He claims this tragic discovery occurred after he returned home with their son to find the front door ajar.

Despite the severity of the charges, Freeman was granted bail in December, secured by a $500,000 surety provided by his current wife. The prosecution did not contest his bail application.

Justice Michael Croucher decided that Freeman’s case warranted bail due to exceptional circumstances. He noted that the prosecution’s evidence is largely circumstantial, and a central issue at trial will be determining the true identity of the alleged perpetrator.

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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