A 68-year-old Melbourne man will face the ACT Magistrates Court charged with the murder of Irma Palasics in 1999. It is the second arrest in an investigation that has spanned more than 24 years. 

Two men forced their way into Irma and Gregor Palasics’ home in McKellar in November 1999, binding and violently assaulting the couple, and then ransacking their house, stealing cash and jewellery.

Mr Palasics freed himself from his bindings, which included cable ties, duct tape and a telephone cord, and found his wife had died from injuries sustained in an alleged assault by one of the burglars, the court was told.

The 72-year-old woman was found face down in the hallway, with bindings covering her hands, mouth and ankles.

An autopsy later revealed she had suffered a broken nose during the home invasion.

Following a review of the investigation and other outstanding cases in 2021, police say they adopted a new investigative strategy began. This ultimately led to the arrest of  68-year-old Steve Fabriczy in Melbourne on September 20 this year, who was charged with one count of murder.

Supt Scott Moller says the second arrest was the culmination of a significantly complex investigation and was deeply gratifying for all involved.

“This investigation has spanned across several years, with our team of investigators having worked tirelessly to ensure the Palasics family were provided with answers,” he says.

“There is no more traumatic experience than having to deal with the senseless murder of a loved one, so to the family of Irma Palasics, we are pleased to provide this outcome.”

On Wednesday Victorian police arrested the 68-year-old man. He faced the Dandenong Magistrates Court on Thursday where his extradition to the ACT was granted. He will face the ACT Magistrates Court today charged with one count of murder.

Second man charged with 1999 murder