Adem Arpaci faces court over the death of two Melbourne teens

THE man who allegedly baited a young teen for a drag race, which killed two people, has faced court after being hunted down by police.

Ivana Clonaridis, who died in a crash on the Western Ring Rd. Pictures: FACEBOOK

THE man who allegedly street raced Harley Churchill and Ivana Clonaridis before they plummeted off a Melbourne bridge has faced court today.

Adem Arpaci, 21, of Delahey, was charged over the fiery crash and appeared in Melbourne Magistrates Court for a directions hearing on charges of culpable driving and dangerous driving causing death over the January 27 crash at Keilor East.

The wreckage of a crash that killed two people last month. Picture: Nicole Garmston

Mr Churchill, 19, and Ms Clonaridis 18, died when their car crashed through a guard rail near the EJ Whitten bridge and rolled down an embankment before bursting into flames.

It is alleged Churchill lost control as he and Arpaci, in a Ford Falcon, raced along the Western Ring Rd at 160km/h.

Court documents show Arpaci, who is on bail, is only charged in relation to the death of Ms Clonaridis.

It has been reported Mr Churchill and Ms Clonaridis had been at Northern Skids, an illegal street racing event, before their death.

Harley Churchill, who was one of two people killed in a crash on the Western Ring Road. Source: Supplied

In his case for bail just days ago, Arpaci told bail justice Alan MacConnell he was different since the crash.

“I just sit in my room because it’s the one place I feel safe,” he said.

Ms Clonaridis’ mother Mary, sister Cassandra and her fiance Jake Cachia are still reeling from the loss and Mr Cachia told Channel 9 she would help anybody, even if she didn’t know them.

“We want Ivana home, but the reality hits us like a punch in the face,” he said.

“She made a mistake, she put her trust in somebody that she shouldn’t have. She’s paid the ultimate price.”

Arpaci will again face court May 30.