Husband to Face Trial for Wife's Murder 34 Years After Her Death
Craig Freeman, aged 63, will stand trial accused of murdering his wife Melinda Freeman, whose body was discovered in a ransacked home over three decades ago. In 2025, Freeman was formally charged with the murder, which occurred on October 4, 1991, when Melinda was just 27 years old. The case has now progressed to the Supreme Court of Victoria following a recent court appearance.
Not Guilty Plea and Fast-Tracked Proceedings
On Wednesday, Freeman appeared before the Melbourne Magistrates' Court, where he entered a plea of not guilty to a single count of murder. This plea has triggered a fast-track process, moving the case directly to the Supreme Court of Victoria for a jury trial. Magistrate Stephen Ballek has scheduled a directions hearing for March 26 to outline the next steps in the legal proceedings.
Allegations and Circumstantial Evidence
Police allege that Melinda Freeman was assaulted and found dead in her Whittlesea home, located in Melbourne's outer north. According to Freeman's account, he returned home with their son around 11:30 pm on the night of her death, discovering the front door open and the premises ransacked. He claimed to have found his wife's body lying on the top landing of their two-storey residence.
Despite signs of a struggle and initial suspicions that the killer attempted to stage a robbery, detectives struggled for years to piece together Melinda's final movements and the events leading to her death. The prosecution's case is largely circumstantial, with identity of the alleged killer being a key issue at trial.
Bail Granted Amidst Exceptional Circumstances
In December, Freeman was granted bail on a $500,000 surety provided by his current wife, after the prosecution did not oppose his application. Justice Michael Croucher ruled that exceptional circumstances warranted his release, citing the circumstantial nature of the evidence and health concerns. Freeman, a former male stripper, had previously suffered a stroke and requires medication, which complicated his time behind bars.
His bail conditions are stringent, including requirements that he not leave Victoria, report to police twice weekly, and avoid contact with any prosecution witnesses. Freeman has retained top Melbourne lawyer Paul Galbally for his defense.
Historical Investigation and Family Suspicious
Melinda Freeman was described as a doting mother to her baby son and came from a close, loving family. On the day of her death, she and her husband had attended a family reunion to welcome her sister back from overseas. After returning home around 4 pm, Melinda prepared dinner before her husband and child left, allowing her to study for a career in the beauty industry.
Freeman had long been considered a person of interest in the case. A 1997 coroner's inquest revealed he was having an affair with a close friend of his wife at the time of her death. Despite family suspicions, Coroner Jacinta Heffey delivered an open finding, stating there was insufficient evidence to support claims of his involvement, dismissing them as "impressions, conjecture, and speculation."
Recent Developments and Reward Offer
The case gained renewed attention in February 2022 when police announced a $1 million reward for information leading to a conviction. This incentive, combined with advances in investigative techniques, ultimately led to Freeman's arrest and charge in 2025. The upcoming trial marks a significant development in a cold case that has haunted the Whittlesea community for 34 years.
