Hunt for Jonathan Dick after brother David murdered at Westfield Doncaster
UPDATE: A TROUBLED man being hunted across three states over his brother’s murder had become increasingly erratic before the brutal shopping centre slaying.
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A TROUBLED man being hunted across three states over his brother’s murder had become increasingly erratic before the brutal shopping centre slaying.
It’s understood Jonathan Dick, wanted over the killing of younger sibling David, 36, in a carpark at the Westfield Doncaster complex, had spoken of delusions and appeared out of touch with reality.
He is known to have a mental health disorder.
Friends of the victim also suggested Jonathan, 39, may have waited at the shopping centre overnight, having failed to confront his brother a day earlier.
MORE: Brutal sword murder captured on CCTV
Homicide squad detectives believe Jonathan is the same man captured on CCTV the day before David was found with fatal injuries last Friday.
Asked if the person in the footage released on Tuesday was Jonathan, Detective Inspector Mick Hughes said: “I’m working on that principle that it is, yes.”
His family didn’t recognise Jonathan, thought to be carrying a sword, because he had cut his hair short and had it coloured lighter, and had lost a significant amount of weight.
The Herald Sun has been told the brothers once had a good relationship, sharing a house they owned together in Mitcham for several years.
A close friend of slain David said: “Dave had all the time in the world for his older brother.
“He was often concerned about his welfare and mental state and tried to help however he could.”
Police believe Jonathan, a plasterer, may now have fled to NSW where family live, or to Queensland which he often visited until the death of his father six months ago.
He had been living in Seymour and was recently diagnosed with the mental health disorder following struggles over several years, but declined to take medication. An uncle reported Jonathan missing on Monday.
Insp Hughes said police were yet to establish what may have led to the attack.
The mother of the men did not believe their relationship was problematic.
“We do not know a motive,” Insp Hughes said. “She (the mum) thinks the relationship between the siblings is good. We’ve no alarm bells there.”
He added that the family had “absolutely no idea” Jonathan appeared to be the man captured on CCTV.
“This family are under so much stress — I can’t second guess why they wouldn’t recognise him,” Insp Hughes said.
“Not one of them had an inkling that this could have even been a possibility.
“Not only didn’t they think it was their son and brother, they didn’t think it was anyone they knew.”
David, a carpenter with an extensive criminal history, lived near Westfield Doncaster and walked through it at the same time daily to catch a bus to work.
He was well known in sporting circles, having played at Glen Iris Cricket Club for about 20 years. He served as premiership captain, a juniors coach and club president.
A club representative and former teammate said David was a respected member known for his cheeky banter during matches. More than two dozen players — some retired — gathered in his honour on Tuesday night. “Dicky was a real larrikin — he played with his heart on his sleeve and loved the club,’’ the representative said.
“He was quite a character — he wasn’t rude or nasty. He was just fun all the time and enjoyed everything. Never did any of his troubles come up at the club. All the guys who played under him and with him are quite upset.”
It’s believed Jonathan may be travelling in a 1997 blue Ford Fairmont sedan with the registration ONV 954, or in a white 2002 Ford Falcon station wagon, with the registration RIL 435.
Anyone with any information is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.