Peter Wetzler faces court charged with the murder of Windsor woman Debra Campbell

A 66-year-old man has fronted court for the first time accused of murdering his bride-to-be and Melbourne RAAF member, Debra Campbell, who went missing 40 years ago.

RAAF member Debra Campbell went missing in February 1984. Picture: Supplied

The former fiance of a Melbourne RAAF member who mysteriously went missing nearly 40 years ago has fronted court charged with her murder.

Peter Wetzler stands accused of killing his 21-year-old partner Debra Campbell in 1984 while the couple were both members of the Royal Australian Air Force.

Ms Campbell went missing from her Windsor home in Melbourne’s inner south on the night of February 25, 1984. Her body has never been found.

Mr Wetzler, now aged 66, was arrested at his home in New South Wales last week by detectives from the missing persons squad over her suspicious disappearance.

Ms Campbell went missing from her High St home in Windsor.

He walked into the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Friday to formally face the murder charge.

The Australian Taxation Office worker was supported in court by two women, one believed to be his current wife of 35 years with whom he has two children.

He was granted extradition bail last week by a NSW court after his defence lawyer Manny Conditsis argued the case against his client was “baseless”.

This meant Mr Wetzler, who has no criminal history, was allowed to make his own way to Melbourne for his court appearance on Friday.

The Melbourne Magistrates’ Court heard telephone intercepts will need to be transcribed prior to his next court date.

But Magistrate Daniel Muling told the accused he could not extend his extradition bail since it was “extinguished” when he entered the jurisdiction.

“You will go into custody today,” he said.

Mr Muling told him he would be able to see a custody nurse for his list of ailments, including diabetes and arthritis.

Mr Wetzler then grabbed his jacket and shoulder bag, bowed to the judge and waved to his loved ones before he entered the dock.

He was taken away by two custody officers.

He was not required to enter a plea but Mr Conditsis last week indicated his client will plead not guilty to the charge.

Ms Campbell went missing from her High St home after a fight with Mr Wetzler, police allege.

Ms Campbell was a member of the RAAF at the time of her disappearance.

Peter Wetzler, from Cardiff South, has been charged with murder.

Her disappearance was initially only reported and investigated by RAAF when she failed to report for duty two days later.

Ms Campbell’s mother reported her missing to Victoria Police later that week when she could not be found.

Mr Wetzler underwent a five-hour interview with police the year after she disappeared.

A coronial inquest in 1998 declared she was likely deceased, but the circumstances of her death could not be determined.

The charge followed a public appeal for information in April this year.

Detective Inspector Dave Dunstan said all unsolved missing persons cases in Victoria are subject to “regular review”.

“After re-examining Debra’s case, detectives were able to revisit a number of lines of inquiry,” he said.

“This led to a number of things, including the search warrant being executed in NSW.

“I want to assure people that no matter how much time has passed, we are committed to finding those responsible and holding them to account.”

Ms Campbell’s mother said her daughter’s disappearance had an “immeasurable impact” on her family that they “continue to feel to this day”.

“Debra was a beautiful vibrant girl who had her whole life ahead of her,” she said.

“It fills me with incredible sadness that she never got to do those things – I never got to see her get married or have children, or grow into the wonderful person I was sure she would become.”

The Herald Sun understands Mr Wetzler will apply for bail in the Supreme Court in the coming weeks.

He will return to court for a committal case conference on January 10 next year.