Flinders Street driver charged with murder after man’s death
SAEED Noori, the 32-year-old man accused of running down pedestrians in Melbourne in December, is now facing a murder charge.
THE man accused of mowing down pedestrians in Melbourne’s CBD now faces a murder charge following the death of an 83-year-old man.
Saeed Noori, 32, has also been charged with 18 counts of attempted murder and one count of conduct endangering life after he allegedly ploughed through pedestrians on the corner of Flinders and Elizabeth streets on December 21 last year.
Police upgraded one of his charges to murder on Tuesday after Antonios “Anton” Crocaris, of the inner-city suburb of Northcote, died on December 29.
Mr Crocaris was the first fatality from the incident. His family released a statement last week labelling him “our hero”.
“Our father Anton had his life cruelly taken away in a senseless act of violence. These circumstances are devastating to our family. Dad is simply irreplaceable and we will never fully recover from this loss,” the family said.
“He was a beloved husband of Elizabeth (dec), adored father of Freda, Tony and Bill, and cherished grandfather of Verity, Lysander and Jackson.
“Friend to all and proud citizen of Australia.
“Our dad, our hero.”
Three people still remain in hospital following the incident where Noori, an Afghan refugee and Australian citizen, allegedly mowed down pedestrians white Suzuki Grand Vitara outside Flinders Street Station.
A police summary released last week by Magistrate John Hardy said Noori wanted to cause carnage but his motive for the attack remains unclear.
Nineteen people were hospitalised as a result of the incident.
Noori is remanded in custody and is set to appear again at Melbourne Magistrate’s Court on May 30.
Officers urge anyone who may need help in coping with the traumatic incident to phone Victoria’s Victims of Crime Helpline on 1800 819 817.