Man’s body found at reserve close to Rangebank Primary School
A murdered man whose body was found at a Cranbourne oval by a family on their way to before-school care has been identified as Cranbourne East man Michael Mammone. Police are now searching for his missing car.
Police & Courts
Don't miss out on the headlines from Police & Courts. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A murder victim found in a park in Melbourne’s south-east has been identified as Cranbourne East man Michael Mammone.
Homicide squad investigators have today revealed they are looking for Mr Mammone’s missing BMW car as part of their inquiry.
Mr Mammone’s body was found with his hands tied in a carpark at Cranbourne’s Donnelly Recreational Reserve at 7.15am on Friday.
Mr Mammone’s ex-girlfriend Danielle Thompson said it was a “bit of shock” to hear of his violent murder.
“He was a good man at heart, he had a hard life growing up,” she told the Sunday Herald Sun.
“As a person, he did not deserve to be murdered but he probably had it coming with some of his choices.”
She said Mr Mammone had battled problems with drug addiction but was trying to turn his life around and had recent stints in rehabilitation.
He had worked on a family farm and in more recent times worked as a truck driver.
Mr Mammone has three daughters and at the time of his death lived with a male housemate.
A father and his children found his body at drop-off time for nearby Rangebank Primary School.
Homicide spent most of Friday at the scene around the carpark, which is off Lesdon Avenue.
It is unclear when the body was left there.
Mr Mammone’s silver 2008 BMW 118i sedan — registered XUD 525 — remains missing.
Investigators have released images of Mr Mammone in the hope the public will come forward with information.
“Investigators are keen to speak to anyone who noticed any suspicious activity in the area on Thursday night or Friday morning,” a spokeswoman said.
“They are also asking anyone who may have been driving through the area in the 24 hours prior to the discovery of Michael’s body who may have dash cam footage to come forward.”
A witness told local resident Nick Limnios Mr Mammone had his hands bound together at the front of his body.
— Do you know more? Email aneeka.simonis@news.com.au
“I’m shocked. It’s terrible, especially next to a school,” Mr Limnios said.
The reserve is next to Rangebank Primary School, which was closed to students on Friday as detectives combed the scene.
Forensic markers were placed next to a set of tyre marks close to the body.
The tyre marks were spotted on a grassy mound leading to the reserve and could be a clue in the homicide case.
A drink can left in the reserve carpark was also marked by police.
The police helicopter hovered low over the murder scene during the day.
Aerial photographs showed the body lying in the middle of the reserve covered by a white sheet.
The sheet was eventually removed to reveal the man dressed in black clothing.
All streets surrounding the murder scene were blocked off as police swarmed the area.
Police want anyone who drove through the area in the 24 hours before Friday’s discovery and may have dashcam footage to come forward.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime at crimestoppersvic.com.au
MORE NEWS