THE policeman in charge of investigating the death of Shepparton man Rocco Andrew Iaria yesterday told an inquest he believed he knew who was responsible for Iaria’s disappearance.
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Sen-Sgt Barry McIntosh, formerly of the homicide squad, told Shepparton Coroner’s Court he believed two men at the centre of the 15-year police investigation killed Iaria in 1991.
“I believe that Rocco Andrew Iaria was lured to the old Latorre farm, Channel Rd, Shepparton East, on the evening on Friday the 6th day of September, 1991, by Vince Latorre and Danny Murtagh,” Sen Sgt McIntosh said.
“I believe that the hands of Iaria were secured by tape at this location before he was shot.
“I believe that Murtagh, Vince Latorre and unknown others then placed the body of Iaria into the black plastic garbage type bags before dousing the body with lime.”
Iaria was last seen alive at 6.30pm on Friday, September 6, 1991.
His body was found in an occupied grave by a gravedigger preparing a burial plot at Pine Lodge Cemetery on February 19, 1998.
Sen Sgt McIntosh said he believed Mr Murtagh and Mr Latorre were involved in Iaria’s death because of information an informant had provided.
He said he believed James Collyer, a worker at the Latorre family’s farm, had also been involved in the murder.
Both men named as prime suspects by Sen-Sgt McIntosh refused to answer any questions at the inquest yesterday, saying they did not want to incriminate themselves.
“My intention is not to answer any questions that may incriminate me,” Mr Latorre told the court.
Mr Murtagh gave a similar response.
“I do not wish to incriminate myself,” he said.
Mr Latorre’s brothers, John, Mario and Frank Latorre, also refused to add to their police interview statements.
The inquest, due to last for a week, concluded yesterday.
Coroner Paresa Spanos will hand down her findings in Melbourne on August 4.
