Man charged with murder after body found in Holden Commodore in Dandenong East

A man has been charged with murder more than six months after the body of a 76-year-old was found hanging out of a damaged Holden Commodore on a quiet street in Melbourne’s east.

A man has been charged with murder after another man was found dead on a quiet street in Melbourne’s east last year.

Anthony Costanzo, 36, had previously been interviewed by detectives after residents on Tidcombe Crescent in Doncaster East found the body of a 76-year-old man in September.

Investigators were believed to be exploring whether the elderly man had been hit by a car.

Costazo, from Doncaster, fronted the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Monday charged with the man’s murder.

His lawyer told the court Costanzo required pain relief for a pre-existing injury.

Police at the scene on Tidcombe Crescent on September 4. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

Residents said they heard a ‘bang’ shortly after midnight. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

“My client suffered an injury to the cheekbone while at work and is on oxycodone. He requires ongoing pain relief,” he told the court.

The court heard CCTV footage will form part of the criminal case.

Costanzo was remanded to reappear in court on July 1.

At the time of the tragedy, one neighbour told the Herald Sun a heated argument could be heard on the street moments before a loud “bang”.

Another resident, who wished not to be named, said he heard at least one man shouting: “You hurt my mate”.

He then shouted: “You’re f---ing dead to me c---t”.