Twin Brother Charged with Murder After Family Member Makes Horrifying Discovery in Backyard

A family member arrived at a home in suburban Australia expecting to check on relatives. Instead, the visit led to a discovery that would leave a family devastated and trigger a major homicide investigation. A 29-year-old man was found dead in the backyard, and police later charged his own twin brother with murder.

The disturbing case unfolded in Orelia, a suburb south of Perth in Western Australia, on Thursday, October 8, 2026. Police were called to a residence on Nye Way at approximately 2:20 p.m. after a family member raised concerns about a serious incident and the welfare of those inside the property.

When officers arrived, they discovered the body of a 29-year-old man in the backyard. Investigators confirmed that the victim and another man at the property were twins. The second man, also 29, was taken into police custody as detectives began examining the circumstances surrounding the death.

Authorities have not publicly detailed every event that led to the discovery. However, the case quickly became a homicide investigation, with officers remaining at the home to gather evidence and establish what had happened before police were contacted.

A Family Visit That Ended in Tragedy

The discovery has raised painful questions about what occurred inside the home before the family member arrived. According to police, the person who contacted authorities had concerns about the welfare of the people at the property, prompting officers to respond.

Detective Acting Superintendent Jessica Securo said the victim had visible injuries, although investigators were not yet prepared to disclose their exact nature. Police described the death as a suspected family violence homicide, indicating that detectives were examining the possibility that the incident involved people connected to one another.

The discovery left the victim’s relatives and loved ones facing an unimaginable situation. In a public statement, police acknowledged the profound impact of the incident on everyone connected to the family and said support was being provided as the investigation continued.

Forensic officers were seen working throughout the property, including in the backyard where the body was located. Investigators also examined disturbed soil in the area as part of their efforts to understand how the victim was found. Authorities have not publicly confirmed all the circumstances surrounding the recovery of the body.

Twin Brother Charged with Murder

The man taken into custody was identified in media reports as Ashley Bruno Grillo. He was subsequently charged with one count of murder in connection with his twin brother’s death.

Grillo appeared before Northbridge Magistrates Court on Saturday, October 10, by telephone from Fiona Stanley Hospital, where he was being held while receiving medical attention. Court proceedings raised significant concerns about his mental health, and arrangements were being made for him to be transferred to a specialist forensic mental health facility.

According to ABC News Australia, prosecutor Sergeant William Peacock told the court that Grillo had been restrained to his hospital bed for the safety of staff. The court was also informed that his next appearance was scheduled for October 16.

The circumstances surrounding Grillo’s medical condition have not been fully disclosed publicly. Police have said that ensuring he receives appropriate medical attention is a priority while they continue investigating the death.

As with any criminal case, the murder charge is an allegation, and the evidence must be examined through the legal process. Investigators have not yet publicly provided a complete account of what they believe happened between the brothers.

Blades Seized as Detectives Search for Answers

As the investigation progressed, police confirmed that several items, including blades that could potentially have been used as weapons, had been seized from the property.

Forensic specialists are examining the items to determine whether they are connected to the death. However, authorities have not confirmed that any particular object was used in the incident, and the exact cause and circumstances of the victim’s injuries have not been fully disclosed.

Detectives are also working to establish a timeline of events, including what happened before the family member contacted police and how the victim came to be in the backyard. Investigators are expected to continue examining the property and speaking with people who may have relevant information.

The case has attracted considerable attention in the local community, where residents have been confronted with the news that a suspected homicide occurred at a residential property. Western Australian government minister John Carey described the incident as incredibly shocking and said the community had been shaken by the discovery.

Police have emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing. They have also indicated that there is no continuing threat to the wider public, although detectives are continuing to pursue evidence related to the death.

A Family Left Waiting for Answers

Beyond the court proceedings and forensic investigation, the case has left a family dealing with the loss of a loved one under deeply distressing circumstances. The fact that the two men were twins has added another painful dimension to a tragedy already surrounded by unanswered questions.

Police have asked for privacy for the family and others affected as investigators work to establish the full circumstances of the incident. Authorities have not publicly outlined a definitive motive, and it remains unclear what events preceded the fatal discovery.

For now, detectives are focused on piecing together the evidence gathered at the home, examining the items seized and determining what led to the 29-year-old man’s death.

The case is expected to return to court on October 16, when further proceedings involving Grillo are scheduled. Until then, many of the central questions remain unanswered: what happened inside the home, what led to the fatal incident, and whether forensic evidence will clarify the final moments before the victim was found.

What began with a family member raising concerns at a home in Orelia has become a serious criminal investigation with devastating consequences for those involved. As the legal process moves forward, the victim’s family is left to grieve while waiting for investigators to uncover the truth.

Source: PEOPLE