Illawarra man Milenko Snjegota to stand trial after pleading not guilty to murdering his father Vitomir Snjegota

The man charged with his father’s murder after the deceased’s body was found in a backyard near Wollongong earlier this year has been deemed fit to stand trial.

Milenko Snjegota appeared in the NSW Supreme Court sitting at Wollongong on Friday.

The man charged with his father’s murder after the deceased’s body was found in a backyard near Wollongong earlier this year has been deemed fit to stand trial.

Milenko Snjegota appeared from custody in the NSW Supreme Court sitting at Wollongong on Friday where a mental fitness inquiry was due to be held.

However, the inquiry was dismissed by Justice Stephen Campbell given no evidence was put forward indicating Snjegota was unfit to plead to the murder of his father Vitomir ‘Vic’ Snjegota.

Vitomir’s body was found by police in the backyard of his home on Primrose Place, Farmborough Heights, about 6pm on Sunday, February 4, 2024.

Milenko, 48, was arrested at the scene and taken to Lake Illawarra Police Station before being charged with murder.

Vitomir Snjegota, 74, was found dead in his yard at Farmborough Heights.

He was refused bail in Wollongong Local Court before Detective Chief Inspector Brad Ainsworth told media they believed the elderly man could have been lying at the home for days prior to being discovered by a neighbour.

“It’s obviously distressing and disturbing for the person that found him,” he said.

“This is an isolated incident and we’re going to do our best to do a swift and rapid investigation.”

After his arrest Milenko was assessed by a forensic psychiatrist who opined he had chronic schizophrenia. However, a later assessment by the same professional produced a report deeming the accused had a “sound and adequate understanding” to plead to the charge.

“There is no evidence before me indicating he is unfit to plead or participate appropriately in a trial,” Justice Campbell said before vacating the inquiry.

After the decision, Milenko was arraigned and pleaded not guilty to his 74-year-old father’s murder.

Crown prosecutor Nerissa Keay indicated she wanted the trial to be conducted in Wollongong to allow the jury to participate in a viewing of the scene where Vitomir’s body was found.

The trial was scheduled for July.

Got a court yarn? Email [e-mail]