‘Horrific’ Melbourne fridge death case sparks outrage after charges dropped

Melbourne, May 13: The family of Melbourne teenager Isla Bell has expressed shock, heartbreak and anger after prosecutors dropped manslaughter charges against the man accused over her death.

On Tuesday, the Supreme Court of Victoria was told that the manslaughter charge against 55-year-old Marat Ganiev would be withdrawn ahead of trial. Prosecutors instead plan to pursue a new charge of attempting to pervert the course of justice.

The decision has devastated Isla’s family, who say they feel abandoned by the justice system.

“You may as well have just chucked me out in the bin with my daughter,” Isla’s mother, Justine Spokes, told media after the hearing.

“My expectations in our legal system were low, but obviously not low enough.”

Isla Bell was just 19 years old when she disappeared after leaving her Brunswick home in October 2024. Her disappearance sparked widespread concern across Melbourne, with family and friends desperately appealing for information.

Weeks later, police discovered her body hidden inside a fridge in a rubbish truck at a waste depot in Dandenong.

Police had previously alleged that Ganiev killed Isla in his apartment before asking his friend, 59-year-old Eyal Yaffe, to help dispose of the fridge containing her remains.

Ganiev was initially charged with murder before the charge was downgraded to manslaughter. His trial had been scheduled to begin later this month.

Isla Bell was 19 years old when she disappeared after leaving her home in October 2024. Photo: Facebook.

However, Crown prosecutor Jeremy McWilliams told the court there were no longer reasonable prospects of securing a conviction on the manslaughter charge due to insufficient evidence.

A separate charge against Yaffe for attempting to pervert the course of justice was also withdrawn, allowing him to walk free from court.

Outside court, Isla’s family questioned how such serious allegations could be reduced and eventually dropped altogether.

“The community should have a chance to have a say. With no review process available, this does not meet community expectations,” Ms Spokes said.

According to the family, prosecutors had reportedly expressed confidence in the manslaughter case only days earlier.

Isla’s grandfather, David Spokes, also criticised the justice system and called for urgent reform.

“All my personal and professional life I believed our justice system delivered justice. No more,” he said.

“Our justice system is failing badly and needs reform. We call on Attorney-General Sonia Kilkenny to intervene and change the system.”

During earlier court proceedings, forensic pathologists reportedly said they could not determine exactly how Isla died or whether some injuries occurred before or after her death.

In a statement, the Office of Public Prosecutions said the manslaughter charge was withdrawn because there was insufficient evidence to support a conviction.

Outside court, Ms Spokes spoke emotionally about the pain of losing her daughter.

“I raised Isla to be full of compassion and care and integrity and strength,” she said.

“My expectations in our legal system were low, but obviously not low enough.”

One of Isla’s close friends, Isy, said the decision sent a disturbing message to women.

“What does this say to girls, young women, all women?” she said.

“We’re just disposable. I am so heartbroken.”