Man in police custody over axe murder in St Kilda

A MAN is in custody after a brutal murder where a man was hacked to death with an axe in the Melbourne suburb of St Kilda.

Police attend the scene in St Kilda on Monday. Picture: Hamish Blair

A MAN has been arrested over a brutal axe murder in St Kilda earlier this week.

Earl Jones, 29, is in police custody after being arrested at a hotel in Fitzroy St, St Kilda, this afternoon.

Earl Jones was arrested this afternoon. Picture: Victoria Police

Stephan Lowry was found dead on Monday.

It follows the death of 45-year-old Stephan Lowry, whose body was found at The Regal boarding home on Little Grey St, St Kilda, on Monday.

Police on Monday said the attack on Mr Lowry had been “brutal” with his body discovered in the first floor flat by a neighbour around 5am.

Mourning mates who hung at the edges of the crime scene described Mr Lowry as a kind and “gentle soul” who wouldn’t hurt a fly.

Long term friend Ash Sumner pushed through the crime scene and flung herself crying and in shock on the pavement upon news her “best mate” had been killed.

“I just can’t understand who would do something like that to him ... he was such a kind, gentle guy,” she said through tears.

“He was my best friend for years.”

Mr Lowry’s body was found in The Regal boarding home just after 5am on Monday. Picture: Hamish Blair

Friends described Mr Lowry as a kind and “gentle soul”.

Originally published as Man in police custody over axe murder in St Kilda