Two more charged, along with woman, 24, over Jarrad Lovison murder in Latrobe Valley
Jarrad Lovison’s parents have thanked police and their son’s friends after charges were laid against three people over his murder. Five people have now become entangled in the probe into his mysterious death in the Latrobe Valley.
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Jarrad Lovison’s family has spoken of their heartbreak days after charges were laid against three people over his murder.
John and Dianne Lovison said they hoped the maximum penalty was applied to those responsible for the death of their son.
“We are so heartbroken,’ they said in a prepared statement.
“We would like to thank all the police and detectives for their tireless pursuit of the offenders responsible for the murder of our beautiful son and bringing them to account for what they have done.”
Mr Lovison went missing in April from Moe and was found five weeks later in isolated bush near the Latrobe Valley town.
His parents thanked everyone who had provided information on the tragedy.
“We would also like to thank all of Jay’s friends and all the people that helped with all the information given to police that has got us to where we are today,” they said.
A fatal “hotshot” has emerged as a possible cause of his death.
Investigators have not disclosed how Mr Lovison died but the Herald Sun understands a fatal dose of drugs he unwittingly took is one line of inquiry.
There has been persistent talk in the region about the circumstances of his death.
Locals have openly speculated that he was given a “hotshot” by someone he knew and trusted.
Five people have now been entangled in the major murder inquiry into the death of Mr Lovison.
Missing persons squad detectives on Wednesday charged Andrew Price, 47, and Jake Brown, 28, with his murder, a day after 24-year-old Moe woman Samantha Guillerme was charged with the same crime.
Mr Price is in a relationship with Mr Lovison’s ex-partner, Ange O’Brien, who was also arrested in connection to the murder inquiry.
Ms O’Brien, 44, was taken into custody early Wednesday and later released without charge.
A source told the Herald Sun she had been in a long-term relationship with Mr Lovison prior to becoming romantic with Mr Price.
She made numerous public appeals for information about Mr Lovison’s whereabouts after he vanished in April.
In one Facebook post Ms O’Brien claimed he was alive.
“The good news is he’s alive. The bad news is no one has spoken to him as yet so massive relief that he’s okay,” she wrote.
A fifth man, aged 55 from Tanjil South, was also arrested and released without charge on Wednesday.
The dramatic breakthrough followed a day of raids in Adam View Court, Tanjil South. Anzac Rd, Trafalgar. Tooronga Rd, Willow Grove, March Street, Moe, Princess Highway, Trafalgar and Haunted Hills Rd, Newborough.
Yesterday’s developments came after the arrest of Ms Guillerme, who later appeared in Moe Magistrates’ Court where she was remanded in custody until January 7 on one count of murder.
One of her close friends told the Herald Sun she came from a good family.
“I have known her for many years and she had a bright future,” the friend said.
On April 17, the day after Mr Lovison’s alleged murder, she posted a photo of her dog at Lyrebird Forest Walk.
“Today’s adventure,” she wrote.
Other photos published on Facebook show her partying with friends at popular Melbourne nightclubs, including Cloud Nine and Hidden Forest.
According to her Facebook, she worked at Eat Live Fresh cafe in Trafalgar.
Mr Lovison was last time seen alive with his green mountain bike on the Moe-Walhalla Rd about 3am on April 16.
His body was found on May 23 at the Moondarra Forrest, about 18km north of where he was last seen.
His bike was seen two days later propped against a tree on Becks Bridge Rd, Tanjil South, just north of Adam View Court, the scene of one of yesterday’s arrests.
Police say it was collected by a white wagon about two hours later.
Mr Lovison’s best friend, Adam Reddiex, said he was deeply relieved to hear of the arrest.
“It’s been a long long time coming,” he said
“I feel hopeful that we can finally get to the bottom of it.
“Police have done an incredible job. We are so thankful to them for going hard with this. They haven’t rested since he has been missing.”
The investigation continues.
Police are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
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