PERTH, Australia — A 29-year-old Australian man has been charged with the murder of his twin brother, whose body was discovered behind their home in Western Australia.
Police arrested Ashley Bruno Grillo after a relative who had visited the property in Orelia, a suburb south of Perth, raised concerns.
Officers discovered the victim’s body in the backyard of the house on Nye Way on Thursday, October 8, 2026.
The deceased man, also 29, had sustained injuries that police have not publicly described in detail.
Detectives are investigating the death as a suspected case of family violence.
Grillo has been charged with one count of murder and remains in custody under medical supervision.
Police Recover Possible Weapons From Property
Western Australia Police said officers were dispatched to the home at approximately 2.20 p.m. after a family member contacted authorities over concerns about the brothers’ welfare.
The two men had been living together at the property.
Detective Acting Superintendent Jessica Securo confirmed that investigators found the victim in the rear yard and that his injuries were apparent.
“I can confirm that the male did have some obvious injuries; however, the exact nature of those injuries I’m unable to go into at this stage,” Securo said, according to People.
Police seized several bladed objects from the house for forensic examination.
Investigators are seeking to establish whether any of the items were used in the alleged killing.
Forensic officers also examined an area of disturbed soil in the backyard, although authorities have not confirmed whether the victim’s body had been buried.
Police believe the body may have remained at the property for several days before its discovery.
The precise circumstances of the man’s death have not been disclosed.
Securo said detectives were pursuing several lines of inquiry and gathering evidence from the property.
She also said there was no continuing danger to residents in the surrounding neighbourhood.
Accused Appears in Court From Hospital
Grillo appeared before Northbridge Magistrates Court by telephone on Saturday, October 10, from Fiona Stanley Hospital, where he had been receiving medical attention.
During the hearing, prosecutor Sergeant William Peacock told the court that authorities had significant concerns about Grillo’s mental health.
According to ABC News Australia, Peacock said Grillo had been restrained to his hospital bed for the protection of medical personnel.
Arrangements were being made to transfer him to a specialist forensic mental health facility.
The court did not disclose details of any medical diagnosis.
Grillo is scheduled to appear in court again on Friday, October 16.
He has not been convicted of any offence in connection with his brother’s death.
Family Receives Support as Investigation Continues
Police said the killing had caused considerable distress to relatives and others who knew the brothers.
“This sort of incident has a profound impact on the family, loved ones and friends of all those involved,” Securo said.
She confirmed that support was being offered to those affected and appealed for the family’s privacy.
Western Australian government minister John Carey also responded to the death, describing it as a deeply disturbing incident.
“All I can say is, it is incredibly shocking,” Carey said, according to 9News.
“I think it’s shocked the local community, but we do now need to see the police follow through.”
Homicide detectives remained at the property for several days, collecting evidence and conducting forensic examinations.
Residents of Nye Way told local reporters that the discovery had unsettled the normally quiet neighbourhood.
Police have not publicly identified the deceased brother by name or established a motive for the alleged killing.
The investigation remains ongoing as Grillo awaits his next court appearance.
