Man killed on Elizabeth St was victim of targeted attack, police say

The man who died after he was assaulted along Elizabeth St in Melbourne’s CBD last week is believed to be the victim of a targeted attack.

Police want to speak to Todd ‘Roster’ Menegaldo. Picture: Supplied

The man who died after he was assaulted along Elizabeth St in Melbourne’s CBD last week is believed to be the victim of a targeted attack.

Andrew Truman, 44, had been walking outside McDonalds late on October 9 when he was struck in the head and rushed to hospital.

Mr Truman succumbed to his fatal injuries days later, with his attacker still on the run from police.

Homicide Squad detectives have issued a new appeal for public assistance to find Todd “Rooster” Menegaldo, who they wish to speak to in relation to the incident.

It has been revealed Mr Menegaldo and Mr Truman were known to each other with police on Friday saying they believed the attack was targeted.

It comes as police continue to search for Mr Menegaldo, with members from the Fugitive Taskforce brought on to assist with the investigation.

Mr Menegaldo is 180-185cm tall with a thin build and has a black and white crossbreed staffordshire terrier.

He is known to frequent Elizabeth St, Flinders Street Station, Bendigo and Mildura.

He was last seen wearing a purple zip-up jumper, dark jeans and a yellow beanie.

Police are advising anyone who sights Mr Menegaldo not to approach him but instead call triple-0 immediately.

Police say do not approach Todd Menegaldo. Picture: Supplied

Andrew Truman, 44, died after being assaulted on Elizabeth St. Picture: Supplied

Police say Mr Menegaldo is likely hiding out somewhere in the CBD, possibly disguised or was taking steps to alter his appearance.

Detective Inspector Dean Thomas on Friday said there was a possibility he may have escaped interstate, but investigators believed he was still hiding out in Melbourne.

“I tend to think that he is probably in the Melbourne CBD area or suburbs close by,” Insp Thomas said.

He said Mr Menegaldo likely knew detectives were looking to speak with him and he had actively avoided police.

About 50 reported sightings of ‘Rooster’ have been submitted to police since they sought out public assistance.

Insp Thomas said the one-punch attack had been captured on CCTV, showing one strike before Mr Truman fell to the ground.

“We believe that there may have been some conversation between them before, but of course the punch appears to be very much unprovoked,” he said.

He added Mr Truman was also known to frequent the CBD, where he has likely met Mr Menegaldo.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Originally published as Man killed on Elizabeth St was victim of targeted attack, police say