Dad stabbed to death in Hastings after alleged long-running feud

A man charged with stabbing his neighbour to death on the Mornington Peninsula has faced court after undergoing surgery. The pair had allegedy been involved in a long running dispute for more than 15 years.

A man charged with murdering his neighbour over an alleged long running dispute has faced court after undergoing surgery.

Troy Taylor, 46, appeared at the Melbourne Magistrates Court today charged with the murder of Michael “Willy” Wilson, 43, who died on Sunday.

He died while on his way to hospital after emergency services were called to his Hastings home about 7.45pm.

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Mr Taylor was charged with murder today and appeared at court with obvious injuries to his face and an arm wrapped in bandages.

The court heard he had undergone surgery before being charged and was on pain medication.

The reason for the significant injuries remains unclear.

A distressed woman arrives at the scene where a man was stabbed to death in Hastings. Picture: David Crosling

On Sunday a man was arrested and has been in hospital since. Picture: David Crosling

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Mr Taylor was arrested on Sunday and has been in hospital since.

He was not required to speak during this afternoon’s brief administrative hearing where a timetable was set for the progression of the case.

Police have been given until July to finish compiling a brief of evidence, that prosecutors say will include DNA evidence.

Police tape at the scene of a fatal stabbing in Hastings. Picture: David Hurley

A forensic officer removes bags of evidence from the scene. Picture: David Crosling

Mr Taylor, who remains in custody on remand, will appear back at court in August.

One neighbour of the men told the Herald Sun that Mr Wilson and Mr Taylor had a number of arguments over the years.

“I’m shocked,” she said.

“They have argued before but nothing serious. It is so sad.”

The pair had allegedly been involved in a feud for more than 15 years.

Neighbours said police had been called to the property on previous occasions. Picture: David Crosling

A section of Salmon St remained cordoned off yesterday morning.

A distraught woman and a man appeared at the property shortly before 9am and spoke to detectives for about five minutes before leaving.

A Victoria Police spokesman said: “Homicide squad detectives are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a man in Hastings.

“The investigation is ongoing.”

Anyone with any information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at crimestoppersvic.com.au