Paul Flegel dead, another man injured in Beechworth shooting

Guns have been found stashed at a rural property in Victoria’s northeast where Paul Flegel was shot dead and another man injured.

The 60-year-old man who suffered a gunshot wound to the chest in the dramatic shooting in Beechworth last week has been released from hospital and questioned by detectives.

Police have charged him with possess unregistered handgun, possess handgun with no serial number, cultivate cannabis and possess cannabis.

He was bailed to appear at the Wodonga Magistrate’s Court on May 16, 2023.

A 27-year-old Frankston man has also been questioned by detectives in relation to the incident.

Investigators found “a number” of guns at the Beechworth property where the body of local man Paul Flegel was found on Thursday night.

Paul Flegel was found dead at the Beechworth property.

A police spokeswoman on Saturday said forensic investigators were still searching the crime scene but had found firearms, which would be sent for forensic testing.

Mr Flegel, 60, lives nearby, and was reportedly known to residents of the property where he was found dead.

“Investigators are still working to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting but do believe that parties were known to each other,” the spokeswoman said.

Neighbours told the Herald Sun they heard “four or five” shots ring out just before 9pm.

Police said another man, who suffered a gunshot wound to the chest, rang triple-0.

The sprawling property is said to feature a disturbing display of white supremacist propaganda, including a “white pride” flag being used as a curtain.

The sign in the window of the property where Mr Flegel died. Picture: Simon Dallinger

A cattle skull was also nailed to a tree near the property’s front gate.

Investigators are yet to establish a motive for the killing, and have not publicly said whether they suspect anyone else was involved.

Mr Flegel’s body will undergo an autopsy in Melbourne, and the investigation will include forensic evidence from the scene and interviews with the mens’ families, friends and neighbours.

Police have issued a public appeal for dashcam footage from motorists who were driving in the area around the time of the shooting.

“Investigators will conclude their examination of the scene, we’ll collate as much information as we can from witnesses, CCTV, anybody who can call in and provide information and hopefully work to a resolution … get some closure for a family,” Detective acting Senior Sergeant Scott Jones said.

“Small communities such as this are always very good at coming forward and helping police and I’m sure anyone with information will do so.

“We believe it is an isolated incident, it’s certainly not a random incident, the parties were known to each other.”