A 29-year-old Australian man has been charged with murder after his twin brother was found dead in the backyard of the home the two men shared, authorities say.
Ashley Bruno Grillo was charged with one count of murder following the grim discovery at a residence in Orelia, a suburb south of Perth in Western Australia.
Police were called to the property at about 2:20 p.m. on Thursday, October 8, after a relative contacted authorities with concerns about the brothers’ welfare.
Officers who arrived at the home discovered the body of a 29-year-old man in the backyard.
Grillo, the victim’s twin brother, was subsequently taken into police custody.
Detective Acting Superintendent Jessica Securo said the victim had “obvious injuries,” although investigators have not publicly disclosed their exact nature.
Police are treating the death as a suspected family violence homicide.
Investigators also seized several items from the property, including edged weapons that police believe may be relevant to the case. Those items are expected to undergo forensic testing as detectives work to determine exactly what happened.
Forensic officers spent hours examining the property, including areas of the backyard, as homicide detectives continued gathering evidence.
Authorities have not publicly identified the victim.
Securo said the incident had deeply affected the family.
“This sort of incident has a profound impact on the family, loved ones and friends of all those involved,” she said, asking that the family be given privacy while the investigation continues.
Grillo appeared before Northbridge Magistrates Court by telephone on Saturday, October 10, while being held at Fiona Stanley Hospital.
The court was told there were “significant concerns” about his mental health.
Prosecutors said arrangements were being made for Grillo to be transferred to a forensic mental health facility while he remains in custody.
His mental health status does not determine criminal responsibility, and the murder allegation has not yet been tested at trial.
Western Australian government minister John Carey described the case as deeply disturbing.
“All I can say is, it is incredibly shocking,” Carey said, adding that the incident had shaken the surrounding community.
Neighbors also expressed disbelief after police vehicles, detectives and forensic specialists descended on the normally quiet residential street.
Investigators are now working to establish a detailed timeline, determine the circumstances surrounding the victim’s injuries and examine whether there had been any previous contact involving the brothers and authorities.
Grillo is scheduled to return to court on Friday, October 16.
He has been charged, but has not been convicted. The case remains under investigation.
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