Michael Chalmers charged with murdering 62-year-old woman found dead at Footscray brothel

A man has faced court charged with the murder of a 62-year-old woman whose body was found at an adult entertainment venue in Melbourne’s west.

Detectives at the venue in Footscray where the woman’s body was found. Picture: Diego Fedele

A man accused of murdering a mother found dead at a Footscray brothel has fronted court for the first time.

Michael Chalmers, 35, was hauled into the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Thursday after he was charged overnight with the murder of the 62-year-old Footscray woman.

Police allege Mr Chalmers killed the woman on November 27.

Her body was discovered by police two days later on November 29 when they visited the Cowper St address for a welfare check.

It is believed the woman was found inside the 149 Rainbow Garden adult entertainment venue.

Michael Chalmers has been charged with murder over the death of a woman in Footscray.

But on Thursday, the court refused to release the name of the woman, despite the media arguing that it was the community’s expectation that victims – and not only their alleged attackers – be publicly named.

The prosecutor argued that her name should not be released given only her daughter had been notified of her death, with other family members yet to be told they had lost their loved one.

Magistrate James Fitzgerald agreed, redacting her name on charge sheets set to be released to the media.

It remains unclear how or if the woman was connected to the venue, with no details of the alleged murder aired in court.

Police outside the brothel on Cowper St. Picture: Diego Fedele

The court heard the case involved CCTV footage and DNA evidence, with a pathology report to be commissioned.

“The matter is unlikely to progress without that report,” the prosecutor said.

Mr Chalmers was arrested at his Footscray home on Wednesday afternoon and interviewed by detectives before he was charged with one count of murder.

Sporting a beard and a fringe, he sat quietly in the dock during the filing hearing, nodding his head when asked if he understood the proceedings.

Mr Chalmers made no application for bail and was remanded in custody.

He will return to court for a committal mention on April 24.