Trial date set for park murder

A forensic police officer studies the scene near the body. 131103 Picture: GARY SISSONS

By CASEY NEILL

A MAN will stand trial for murder in October over the death of a man in Dandenong Park last year.
An off-duty PSO found the body of 43-year-old homeless man Christian Williams while walking his dog in the Pultney Street park on 19 November.
On 27 November police charged 21-year-old Keysborough man Robert Marshall with murder.
He last Thursday pleaded not guilty to the charge in the Supreme Court and was ordered to stand trial on 26 October.
The death prompted Cornerstone Contact Centre co-ordinator Don Cameron to warn other people never to sleep in the park.
Mr Williams, previously of Narre Warren, had eaten his last meal at the Dandenong welfare centre just hours before his death.
“Dandenong Park has a reputation of where a lot of people who drink a lot go,” Mr Cameron said.
“I know one fellow who said he was threatened by people there who won’t go anywhere near the area.
“Occasionally people come through town, sleeping rough. They don’t know the safer areas of Dandenong.
“Avoid Dandenong Park. Never sleep out in the open.”