Identity of man found in shallow grave at vacant Tyabb property revealed
THE partner of a father found dead and buried in a shallow grave on the Mornington Peninsula says he had so much love to give. The man’s body may have been dumped only hours before he was discovered.
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A FATHER found dead and buried in a shallow grave minutes from his home on the Mornington Peninsula may have been dumped only hours before he was discovered.
Homicide Squad detectives believe Jade Goodwin, a 39-year-old father from Hastings, had been dumped and buried on a vacant Tyabb farm shortly before he was located on Sunday night.
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How he came to die or who tried to hide his body remains a mystery as police await the results of a post-mortem.
His death is being treated as suspicious.
Friends and family members yesterday confirmed Mr Goodwin’s death.
His partner, Tash Smith, said their baby girl Ariah was now without a father.
“I miss you so much. You are my world. You gave me a beautiful daughter. Our baby has lost the best person a girl needs in her life — her daddy,” she wrote in an online tribute.
“You had so much love to give and that’s all been taken away.”
Friend Joanne Davey wrote: “I was very blessed and lucky to have met you. I pray they find who took your life Jadey and when they do I pray justice is done.”
“He had the biggest heart and would do anything for you,” she said.
Mr Goodwin’s body was found buried behind a shed on an large unoccupied farm on Dandenong-Hastings Rd in Tyabb. Locals say it is frequently used as an illegal waste dump.
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Evidence collected at the scene included duct tape and gloves, both of which will undergo forensic testing.
Mr Goodwin reportedly had enemies and has wound up in the wrong crowd.
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He lived in a “halfway house” frequented by police, according to neighbours.
Some in the neighbourhood have installed security cameras in a bid to protect themselves and their property after violent street clashes.
“You’d always hear people in their screaming and fighting and breaking things. It was like the house was being taken apart from the inside,” one told the Herald Sun.
“Police would be there at least once a week.”
Another said: “A lot of people would come and go.”
Neighbours to the derelict property where Mr Goodwin’s body was found told the Herald Sun the derelict property, which has been vacant for about two years but was recently put under contact, had been frequently used for illegal dumping.
Bruce Thompson, who has lived across the road for 18 years, said he had contacted police in the past about cars appearing at the property.
“It became a dumping ground, there’s been various things dumped there like hard rubbish, cars, household waste, just like a tip,” he said.
“The lock has been on and off the gate for the past year.
“It’s just been a bit strange, there’s comings and goings that you don’t ask questions about.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or file a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.