A man is set to face Perth Magistrates Court on Thursday after being charged with murder over the death of a 27-year-old whose body was discovered on a gravel track in the coastal suburb of Yanchep, around 56 kilometres north of Perth's CBD.
WA Police said homicide detectives were called to bushland near Grampians Loop in Yanchep on Sunday after reports a man had been found unresponsive. Paramedics from St John WA attended, but the 27-year-old was declared dead at the scene, according to 7News.
Three days later, investigators charged a 30-year-old man with one count of murder. The accused is scheduled to appear before Perth Magistrates Court on Thursday, where the case will formally proceed through the justice system.
Police confirmed a second person is also assisting with inquiries. No arrests or charges have been laid against that individual at this stage.
The speed of the charge, just 72 hours after the body was found, points to a focused investigation. Homicide detectives in WA typically prioritise the first 48 to 72 hours of a murder inquiry as the critical window for gathering physical evidence and witness accounts, making the timing of this charge consistent with standard serious-crime procedure.
WA Police wish to thank the community for their assistance with this investigation,
police said in a statement.
Yanchep is a fast-growing coastal suburb that sits within the City of Wanneroo local government area. The suburb is 56 kilometres north of the Perth CBD, and had a population of 11,022 at the 2021 census, with that figure predicted to reach more than 20,000 by 2031. The area, which borders Yanchep National Park, is popular with families and outdoor enthusiasts, making the discovery of a body in its bushland particularly jarring for residents.
The presumption of innocence remains a cornerstone of Australia's criminal justice system. The charge of murder carries a mandatory life sentence under WA law if prosecuted and proven, though courts retain discretion on non-parole periods. The accused has not yet had the opportunity to enter a plea.
WA Police have not yet released details about the circumstances or cause of death, and the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers WA on 1800 333 000, with anonymous reporting available.