Man accused of killing carer, 62, at Werribee home wipes away tears during first court appearance

The man accused of murdering a 62-year-old carer who lived with him at a home in Melbourne’s southwest has shaken in the dock, wiped away tears and blown kisses to supporters during a court appearance.

A man accused of killing his 62-year-old carer has wiped away tears and blown kisses to his supporters as he faced court.

John Sheffield, 55, appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday for a brief administrative hearing where a single charge of murder was filed.

He was shaking in the dock, and used a tissue to wipe his face, while engaging with a group of supporters sitting in the courtroom.

One man said: “I love you, mate.”

John Sheffield has been charged with murder. Picture: Supplied

Kenneth Magee, 62, was killed on Monday. Picture: Supplied

Mr Sheffield is accused of killing Kenneth Magee at the home they shared in Werribee in Melbourne’s southwest on Monday.

The court heard he has a myriad of health issues including diagnosed schizophrenia, epilepsy, insulin-dependent diabetic and chronic heart issues.

He is on fortnightly depot injections, with one due today, his lawyer said, urging he be seen by a custody nurse urgently.

His case was adjourned to February 25.

Outside court, the supporters said: “No comment.”

Kenneth Magee was found with critical injuries inside the single-storey brick home on Everwin Drive about 7.10pm Monday before he was rushed to hospital.

He died in hospital several hours later.

Mr Sheffield, also from Werribee, was arrested at the home.

The Werribee home where Mr Magee was found dead. Picture: Erin Constable

Forensic teams bag evidence from the home. Picture: Brendan Beckett

The alleged assault occurred inside the Werribee home. Picture: Brendan Beckett

Details of the alleged deadly assault are vague but a hammer was reportedly found next to Mr Magee at the crime scene.

CCTV from a neighbour’s home showed Mr Magee being stretchered into an ambulance before Mr Sheffield was pictured speaking to police on the verandah.

He then sat on a chair in the driveway before he was arrested.

The house was cordoned off by police for much of Tuesday.

A neighbour said it had been occupied by the same family for the 12 years she had lived on the street.

“I have never seen so many police cars and ambulances on my street before … it is really scary,” she said.

“Since last night I have locked all my doors and windows.”

Another neighbour said they were not home at the time of the incident but were shocked to arrive to flashing lights.

“I do not know the family but it is a very sad thing to happen.”