John Beres allegedly stabbed his wife Yvonne Beres to death hours after family Christmas lunch

A 63-year-old Langwarrin man has fronted court charged with murdering his wife shortly after hosting relatives at their house on Christmas.

Police at the scene of the stabbing on Thursday. Picture: David Crosling

A man from Melbourne’s southeast allegedly stabbed his wife to death hours after they hosted a Christmas Day function.

John Beres, 63, appeared at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Thursday night charged with murdering his wife Yvonne Beres, 59, at their Wood Duck Court home in Langwarrin.

It’s alleged Mr Beres fatally stabbed his wife before he called police, with emergency services finding Ms Beres dead inside the home about 6.30am on Thursday.

Mr Beres was arrested at the scene and taken to Frankston Police Station.

It’s alleged John Beres murdered his wife Yvonne Beres. Picture: David Crosling

At a brief filing hearing on Thursday night the court heard he had type 2 diabetes and took medication for back problems.

“The painkillers are for the two back surgeries I’ve had in December 2020 and January 2021,” Mr Beres told Magistrate Tara Hartnett.

When Her Honour told him he would see a custody doctor he replied with “thank you Your Honour”.

Mr Beres was remanded in custody and will return to court in April for committal case conference.

Detective Inspector Dean Thomas from Victoria Police’s Homicide Squad said the pair had just hosted their family for a Christmas Day gathering hours before the violence had unfolded.

He said their three adult children had been devastated by the alleged killing after being among those celebrating the holidays at the property.

“The family of the victim have been spoken to and obviously they’re extremely upset we’re here on Boxing Day,” he said.

“They’re very, very upset and distraught.

“Here we have what appears to be a family violence type incident where we’ve had a female killed.

Homicide Squad Detective Inspector Dean Thomas said the family was upset and distraught. Picture: David Crosling

“There’s a number of family members that we need to remember are impacted by this and there will be a number of friends also.”

The interactions between those who attended the party will be central to the investigation.

Det Insp Thomas said there was no history of domestic violence between the couple.

But the woman’s death comes after shocking crime statistics showed Victoria recorded more than 100,000 family violence incidents in the last year.

“We need to do everything we can to really stop this type of crime occurring violence against women,” Det Insp Thomas said.

“We need to stand up. We need to call it out.

“In particular males need to call out the behaviour of other males.

“(Police are) doing everything we can to reduce violence against women, we’re working with partner agencies.

“But it’s extremely sad when a report like this is made.”

Police were called to reports of a stabbing at the Wood Duck Court home about 6.30am. Picture: David Crosling

Forensic teams found a weapon inside the house, but Det Insp Thomas could not confirm what was used to kill the woman.

It is not yet known whether the man called police immediately following the woman’s death or whether the altercation had occurred some time before police and paramedics arrived

“We’re trying to piece it together so we know exactly what the timelines look like and what exactly has occurred,” Det Insp Thomas said.

Investigators are awaiting the results of a post mortem to determine how many stab wounds the woman suffered.

Shocked neighbours said Yvonne Beres was friendly and enjoyed gardening and walking her greyhound.

It is understood she and husband John Beres had moved into the home less than six months ago.

Police investigating the death. Picture: David Crosling

Martine Casagrande, who has lived at the adjoining property for the past 10 years, said she had been rattled by news of the death.

Ms Casagrande said just days ago the couple could be heard entertaining guests and laughing at a holiday gathering.

“It makes me feel shocked, and also a little bit of concern that we don’t know what goes on behind closed doors,” Ms Casagrande said.

“Everyone takes pride in their homes. Everyone talks to one another, a lot of people walk around with their dogs and take their children to the park,” she said.

“Something like this happening in this quiet, friendly little estate is really shocking.

“Especially this time of year, it’s hard to believe something like this has happened.”

Ms Casagrande said the woman could often be seen tending to her front garden.

“They take pride in their garden. They’re outside and doing their garden,” she said.

“They always say hello and speak when they walk past.

“It’s been very peaceful. Nothing like this you would imagine would happen.

Surrounding residents said the woman was “a very nice lady”.

“Having met her, it makes it all the more sad,” one said.

The couple are believed to have three adult children who do not live with them at the property.

Their double storey brick home remained cordoned off by police tape on Thursday morning as forensic specialists collected evidence.

Anyone with dashcam footage, CCTV or information should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.