Todd Menegaldo: Man accused of killing Andrew Truman in Melbourne’s CBD withdrawing from heroin, court told

The man accused of killing a “vibrant” man in a CBD assault was not in court as his lawyer offered this explanation for his absence.

A man accused of a fatal assault in Melbourne’s CBD did not come to court as his lawyer claimed the man was “withdrawing heavily” from heroin.

Todd Menegaldo, 33, was arrested on Tuesday and charged with manslaughter after a three-week manhunt located him at a Moonee Ponds address.

He was scheduled to appear in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday morning but did not leave the custody centre.

Andrew Truman died in hospital four days after he was allegedly assaulted in Melbourne’s CBD. Picture: Supplied.

His lawyer, Karen Sheridan, told the court that Mr Menegaldo was “very unwell” due to heroin withdrawals and asked the case to proceed in his absence.

“My client has instructed he does need to seek medical attention because he’s withdrawing heavily,” she said.

Mr Menegaldo was remanded into custody ahead of a committal mention in March next year.

Police will allege Andrew Truman, 44, was struck in the head while walking on Elizabeth St in the city’s CBD about 6.30pm on Wednesday, October 9.

Four days later, Victoria Police issued an appeal for help locating Mr Menegaldo, also known as “Rooster”, on October 13, the same day Mr Truman died in hospital.

It’s alleged the pair were known to each other.

Police released CCTV of Mr Menegaldo earlier this month. Picture: Supplied

The 33-year-old was arrested on Tuesday. Picture: Supplied

In a statement, Mr Truman’s family described the 44-year-old as a vibrant and independent man “unafraid to be himself in any context”.

“He was a marvellous and fierce supporter of the LGBTQIAP+ community and a proud gay man,” they said.

“He didn’t hesitate to take the lead on the dance floor or in singing karaoke.

“May we all have at least an ounce of his flavour.”

His family thanked anyone who stopped to help the passionate Western Bulldogs supporter on October 9, including emergency services and staff at the Royal Melbourne Hospital.

“We are still in shock at his loss,” they said.