Man Remanded in Custody Over Fatal Shooting in Melbourne’s Outer West
A 31-year-old Werribee man, James Slater, has been remanded in custody for over four months following a fatal shooting in Melbourne’s outer west. Slater appeared expressionless during a brief filing hearing at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Monday morning, where his case was formally lodged.
Dressed in a black jumper, Slater showed no outward reaction as Magistrate Steven Raleigh ordered him to remain in custody until July 29. He was arrested in Melbourne’s southeast on Sunday night, three days after the shooting incident.
The fatal event occurred in the early hours of March 5. Police were called to the vicinity of Snipe Drive and Spadefoot Place in Strathtulloh around 12:40 am, where they discovered a 36-year-old man with critical injuries. Despite the best efforts of emergency services, the man tragically died at the scene.
According to Victoria Police, the initial incident involved three men. The deceased 36-year-old and a 63-year-old man had reportedly attended the suburb when an argument escalated with a third individual, identified as James Slater. Police believe Slater was known to the other two men. It is alleged that several shots were discharged during the altercation, after which Slater fled the scene.
Slater was apprehended by police in Skye on Sunday evening. He was subsequently charged with murder later that same night.
During the court hearing, Slater’s legal representative informed the court that his client had been seen by a forensic officer and understood that he was ineligible to apply for bail at the Magistrates’ Court. Magistrate Raleigh formally remanded Slater into custody, with his next appearance scheduled for July 29. The ongoing investigation by Victoria Police continues.
