John Sheffield: Man charged with murder after carer Kenneth Magee dies in alleged assault

A man accused of fatally assaulting his carer has mouthed “I love you” to family members as he appeared in court.

John Sheffield, 55, has been charged with murder after his care was allegedly found with critical injuries. Picture: 7NEWS.

A diagnosed schizophrenic has been charged with murder following the death of his carer in Melbourne’s west on Monday.

John Sheffield, 55, mouthed “I love you” to a tearful family member from the dock in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Monday.

The accused man was arrested at a Everwin Drive home in Werribee on Monday evening after his carer Kenneth Magee, 62, was allegedly fatally assaulted about 7.10pm.

CCTV from a neighbour showed Mr Magee being taken from the home by ambulance as police spoke with a man out the front.

Mr Sheffield was also taken to hospital where he was charged with murder the following day.

CCTV from a neighbour’s home. Picture: 7News

Kenneth Magee was allegedly killed. Picture: Facebook

Flanked by custody officers, Mr Sheffield appeared distressed during the brief hearing, dabbing his face with paper towel.

He wore a navy The Black Keys band shirt and spent much of the time waving to three supporters in court.

His lawyer, Jacqueline Kennedy, told the court that Mr Sheffield had “significant custody management issues”, including schizophrenia, diabetes and a heart problem.

“Your Honour, he’s a diagnosed schizophrenic, he gets fortnightly Depo injections … fortnightly and its’ due today,” she said.

“He was in hospital yesterday, they should have his medication list.”

Family and supporters of Mr Sheffield leave the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court with lawyer Jacqueline Kennedy (back turned). Picture: NewsWire / Diego Fedele

The court was told the accused man was supported by an area healthcare service.

Details of the alleged murder were not aired in open court and Mr Sheffield was remanded into custody ahead of his next court date on February 25.

Outside court, his family members declined to comment.