Home » News » Man faces court over murder

Man faces court over murder

A man has faced court today in relation to the murder of Joshua Bishop.

Brandon Watts, 27, fronted Melbourne Magistrates Court on Monday morning, after being charged Sunday night with Joshua’s murder.

He did not apply for bail.

Court documents reveal police will allege Watts murdered the 23-year-old between May 27 and May 28.

The charge follows the execution of a search warrant at a house in Erinbank Crescent in Westmeadows on Saturday, June 28, where human remains were discovered.

These remains, yet to be formerly identified, are believed to belong to Joshua.

Joshua was last seen on May 27 about 9.30pm by his housemates at Lalor Crescent, Sunbury. He was reported missing two days later by his mother.

His phone was last tracked to Broadmeadows Valley Park at 11.30am on May 27. Police searched the park in June, on June 16.

His disappearance was completely out of character, prompting the wide search for the Sunbury man and social media campaign.

On June 6, Joshua’s family spoke to the media and gave an emotional plea for their son to come home.

“We just want him to know we love him,” his father, Travis Bishop said.

Watts will next appear in court in September.

Digital Editions


  • Community cricket contributors to be awarded

    Community cricket contributors to be awarded

    Nominations are now open for the 2025–26 Cricket Victoria Community Cricket Awards, celebrating the outstanding contributions of individuals, clubs, associations and schools who have helped…

More News

  • Whittlesea youth hub plan progresses

    Whittlesea youth hub plan progresses

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 246677 Whittlesea is one step closer to having a youth hub, as council continues to assess appropriate locations and calls for state government support.…

  • Victoria’s hospitality sector under scrutiny for child employment practices

    Victoria’s hospitality sector under scrutiny for child employment practices

    During the summer school holidays, the Workforce Inspectorate Victoria (WIV) is ramping up inspections across the state’s hospitality venues, including restaurants, cafés and fast-food outlets, to ensure businesses are complying…

  • Three Lalor residents charged in gang investigation

    Three Lalor residents charged in gang investigation

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 206998 Police have charged three people from Lalor with various drug and firearm related offences as part of an ongoing investigation into organised crime.…

  • Keeping cool on the savannah

    Keeping cool on the savannah

    As the Victorian summer continues, zookeepers and experts from Werribee Open Range Zoo explained to Jaidyn Kennedy how they help the animals keep cool when the mercury rises. Slip, slop…

  • Finals spots set

    Finals spots set

    The final pool rounds have been played and finals spots filled. Here’s a wrap up of the final pool matches on Tuesday night. In group, A1, PEGS lost to Haig…

  • Family fun at park open day

    Family fun at park open day

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 523390 Explore new trails, views and parkland while enjoying a full day of festivities at the bunjil nganga parkland open day. This free event…

  • Crafty school holiday library events

    Crafty school holiday library events

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 529057 Libraries across the north have hosted fun events and activities to keep kids entertained during the school holidays. At Lalor Library, bestselling illustrator…

  • My Place

    My Place

    Lindsey Delooze is the first principal of Marra School, a new specialist school in Kalkallo that will welcome up to 148 students in term one. She spoke to Courtney Black…

  • Melbourne Airport overnight runway closures

    Melbourne Airport overnight runway closures

    There will be up to up to seven months of overnight closures on the east-west runway at Melbourne Airport, during maintenance works. Melbourne Airport chief of aviation Jim Parashos said…

  • Sports shorts

    Sports shorts

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 497759 Big V Reigning Big V division 1 women’s most valuable player Briana Gray has signed with Craigieburn for a third straight season. Last…