Newtown house of horrors: Russell St unit gets makeover, new tenant 18 months after dead body found

A commission flat that housed the bones of a man for possibly years under the nose of his sister and shocked neighbours has been given a new lease on life.

A commission flat that housed the bones of a man for possibly years under the nose of his sister and shocked neighbours has been renovated and rented.

Cyclone fencing that once surrounded the government owned unit in Newtown was pulled down last month, more than 18 months after the body of its former resident, Robert Natoli, was removed in bizarre and macabre circumstances.

Police officers acting on a welfare check found his skeletal remains in December 2022 among floor-to-ceiling rubbish, rats, dead possums and human faeces.

The Geelong Advertiser exposed the story after it was revealed years of alleged complaints about the condition of the house, made to multiple government departments, were ignored.

A Department of Families, Fairness and Housing spokeswoman said works at the Geelong property had been ongoing.

“The unit at Newtown was recently upgraded while it was vacant and the property has been relet,” she said.

Police at the unit on Russell St, Newtown on December 29, 2022.

Neighbours living in the same Russell St complex have also benefited from a freshen up to their flats, it can be revealed.

Nicole Stratton, who lived next door to what she described as “the death house” said the unit was “like a brand new place”.

The unit has been rented. Picture: Alison Wynd

“It’s actually been great, it’s amazing what a bit of bad publicity can get done,” she said.

“We got a brand new kitchen, all new lino, it’s all been freshly painted, we even got a new bath and basins.

“All three houses have been renovated.”

Forensic specialists in biohazard suits retrieved what was left of Mr Natoli in December 29, 2022.

His sister, who had been living inside the rotting unit without electricity or running water, was arrested at the time but released without charge in relation to his death.

Pakington Street, Newtown is a stone's throw from the Russell Street house of horror. Picture: Alan Barber

Some claim they had not seen the deceased on the leafy Geelong strip, within walking distance to GMHBA Stadium, since 2018.

Several attempted inspections of the two-bedroom flat by DFFH failed to uncover the body, raising questions about considerable cracks in the public housing system.

A coroner is still investigating the circumstances surrounding Mr Natoli’s death.

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Originally published as Newtown house of horrors: Russell St unit gets makeover, new tenant 18 months after dead body found