Husband of Karen Ristevski to fight murder charge

The husband of Karen Ristevski will contest allegations he murdered the Melbourne mother after a brief court appearance.

Borce Ristevski has been charged with the murder of his wife Karen Ristevski. Picture: Nicole Garmston.

The husband of Karen Ristevski will contest allegations he murdered the Melbourne mother.

Borce Ristevski, 53, was arrested at 7.20am this morning by detectives from Victoria Police’s Missing Persons Squad.

The arrest marks a major breakthrough in the case which has captured national attention since Ms Ristevski went missing from her Avondale Heights home on the morning of 29 June 2016.

The 46-year old mother of one was last seen by her husband, who told police she had left their Oakley Drive home on foot after the couple argued about finances.

Karen Ristevski. Picture: Supplied.

Ms Ristevski’s body was discovered wedged between two logs in bushland in the Macedon Regional Park in February.

Her husband had repeatedly denied any involvement in her disappearance and death, despite his lawyer Rob Stary acknowledging he was the “number one suspect”.

Court documents show Mr Ristevski is charged with murdering his wife on the day she disappeared.

In a brief appearance before the Melbourne Magistrates Court this morning, Mr Stary said his client would plead not guilty to the murder charge.

Prosecutor Andrew Tinney SC said police requested an extra fortnight to compile the brief of evidence against Mr Ristevski “because of the nature of the investigation and the ongoing work that needs to be done.”

Mr Stary did not oppose the extension of time, but said the investigation had run for months and most of the evidence should already be prepared.

Mr Ristevski watched the proceedings from the dock, wearing a light coloured T-shirt and dark pants.

He spoke briefly to Mr Stary, but otherwise only nodded at the magistrate as she made orders for him to reappear in April.

Mr Stary said there was no application for bail and Mr Ristevski did not have any medical issues requiring management while he was in custody.

The case has been adjourned for a committal mention on 18 April.