Accused killer of Andrew Truman suffers medical episode at court while “withdrawing heavily” from heroin
The man accused of killing Andrew Truman in a deadly CBD attack, ‘Rooster’, has suffered a medical episode at court while “withdrawing heavily” from heroin.
Police & Courts
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A man accused of a deadly CBD attack on a passionate Bulldogs supporter has had a medical episode in the cells at court.
Todd Leslie Menegaldo, 33, was due to front Melbourne Magistrates Court on Wednesday after being charged with the manslaughter of Andrew Truman.
But a security officer told the court Mr Menegaldo, who is known as ‘Rooster’, could not be brought into the courtroom as he was suffering “a medical episode” and was being seen by a doctor.
His lawyer Karen Sheridan confirmed she had seen her client twice that morning and he was withdrawing from drugs of addiction.
“He is very unwell,” she said. “My client has instructed that he does need to seek medical attention as he was withdrawing heavily.
“He is heavily withdrawing from heroin.”
Ms Sheridan said she was happy to proceed with the administrative hearing in his absence.
Mr Menegaldo was charged on Tuesday just hours after being arrested at a boarding house in Moonee Ponds.
Police had three weeks earlier released an image of him in a public appeal to help find him over his alleged involvement in the death of Mr Truman.
Police allege Mr Menegaldo struck Mr Truman, 44, to the head in a targeted attack as he was walking outside McDonalds on Elizabeth St from Flinders St about 6.30pm on October 9.
He suffered a catastrophic brain injury and died in hospital days later.
Police last week revealed the pair had known each other.
Mr Truman’s family spoke of their shock at this death, paying tribute to him as a marvellous and fierce supporter of the LGBTQIAP+ community and a proud gay man.
“He didn’t hesitate to take the lead on the dance floor or in singing karaoke,” they said. “May we all have at least an ounce of his flavour.”
They said he was also an avid Western Bulldogs supporter.
Mr Menegaldo’s case was adjourned to March 5.
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