Major update in disappearance of Melbourne man, 43, who vanished a year ago after driving away in his distinctive gold car

By HOLLY HALES FOR AUSTRALIAN ASSOCIATED PRESS

Published: | Updated:

The remains of a man missing for almost a year have been found on Melbourne‘s outskirts, months after a trio was charged in relation to his murder.

Adrian Romeo, 43, vanished on February 10, 2024 after telling his parents he was going to visit some associates in Greenvale, in the city’s north.

His phone and bank cards had not been used since then and police are yet to find the 2004 gold Toyota Camry he was driving.

Mr Romeo’s remains were discovered at a Wildwood property, in Melbourne’s north, during widespread searches over the course of several months.

Robert Mantini was arrested in July and charged charged with killing Mr Romeo in Greenvale, according to court documents.

Two others, a 60-year-old Greenvale man and a 29-year-old Wallan man were arrested and charged with assist offender (murder) in December.

The remains of Adrian Romeo, 43, were discovered in Melbourne’s north during widespread searches over the course of several months

Robert Mantini (pictured) was arrested in July and charged charged with killing Mr Romeo along with two other men 

Detectives previously undertook a number of searches at the Wildwood property between July and December in an bid to locate any trace of Mr Romeo.

During searches on November 27 and December 10, a number of items were located and sent for forensic analysis.

Mr Romeo was reported missing to police four days after he disappeared.

Police had spoken with a large number of Adrian’s friends and associates, without any major breakthrough in relation to his whereabouts.

A significant CCTV canvas was also undertaken with police working through hours of footage to try and trace his last known steps.

Mr Romeo left his home in a distinctive gold 2004 Toyota Camry sedan, which has not yet been located but could assist with the police investigation.

Mt Romeo left his home in his gold Camry, which is also missing. Police have released images of it in the hope the  2004 Toyota Camry can be found and offer clues

More than 100 police and SES members scoured the property during a previous search effort (pictured) using dirt bikes, garden tools and cadaver dogs

Detectives previously released a photo of the car as part of their public appeal in the hope that someone may recognise it. 

‘There is the potential that it has been dumped somewhere, stolen or sold and we’re keen to speak to anyone who may have seen the gold Toyota Camry,’ Det Insp Thomas said. 

‘It may potentially be sitting in a street somewhere so I urge people to keep a look out for it.’

It has been confirmed that the remains found this week are those of Mr Romeo, and his family has been notified.

The investigation continues.

Read More

  • Related Posts

    How major US stock indexes fared Wednesday 5/27/2026

    U.S. stocks inched to more records after oil prices fell back to where they were in mid-April U.S. stocks inched to more records after oil prices fell back to where…

    Major blow for millions of Aussie families as Reserve Bank raises interest rates: How much more you will pay

    Struggling families have been hit with another blow after the Reserve Bank lifted interest rates by 25 basis points to 4.10 per cent – a move that will push mortgage…

    You Missed

    Quaint suburb in Maryland is rocked after their beloved cherry blossom trees were abruptly cut down overnight

    • By poster
    • June 9, 2026
    • 1 views
    Quaint suburb in Maryland is rocked after their beloved cherry blossom trees were abruptly cut down overnight

    Labor MP Ali France accused of committing electoral fraud for being enrolled to vote on a vacant block

    • By poster
    • June 9, 2026
    • 1 views
    Labor MP Ali France accused of committing electoral fraud for being enrolled to vote on a vacant block

    Portland professor sues university for $7 million after she was placed on leave over viral ‘I am Hamas’ video

    • By poster
    • June 9, 2026
    • 1 views
    Portland professor sues university for $7 million after she was placed on leave over viral ‘I am Hamas’ video

    Husband and wife both had sore backs and put it down to ‘kidney stones’. Turns out they had the same cancer

    • By poster
    • June 9, 2026
    • 1 views
    Husband and wife both had sore backs and put it down to ‘kidney stones’. Turns out they had the same cancer

    Father of ISIS bride insists she simply made a ‘mistake’ when she married a terror fighter at the age of 21

    • By poster
    • June 9, 2026
    • 1 views
    Father of ISIS bride insists she simply made a ‘mistake’ when she married a terror fighter at the age of 21

    Girl, 14, was enjoying evening walk through her leafy Midwest neighborhood… then a stranger in a black car pulled up alongside her and horror ensued

    • By admin
    • June 8, 2026
    • 2 views
    Girl, 14, was enjoying evening walk through her leafy Midwest neighborhood… then a stranger in a black car pulled up alongside her and horror ensued