‘Heartbreaking and devastated': Melbourne family's worst fears confirmed
A Melbourne family has had their worst fears realised after human remains were found at a home in Westmeadows as part of the investigation into Joshua Bishop's disappearance.
In a statement released on Sunday evening, Mr Bishop's grieving relatives confirmed their worst fears had come true.
'With the heaviest hearts, we share that our beloved Joshua has been found – but sadly not in the way we had hoped,' it read.
'We are devastated and struggling to find the words.'
Mr Bishop's uncle Simon Bishop shared a photo of the family, saying 'this is the last photo I have of you standing by my side. The last image of our family complete. My nephew, my friend, my blood.'
Brandon Watts, 27, from Westmeadows, appeared from the dock of Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Monday morning charged with Mr Bishop's murder.
Mr Watts was arrested on Saturday evening, with charge sheets alleging Mr Bishop, 23, was murdered in Westmeadows between May 27 and 28.
Mr Watts was remanded in custody to reappear in court on September 22.
Mr Bishop was last seen on May 27 by his housemate in Sunbury, leaving his friends and family with no answers for more than a month until the weekend's fatal discovery.
His phone and bank accounts had not been accessed since May 27, and his phone last pinged at Broadmeadows Valley Park on Barry Rd.
Detectives described his disappearance as 'completely out of character'.
No details about the alleged murder were aired during the brief administrative hearing.
A Facebook group called 'Find Joshua Bishop' was set up in the wake of the young man's disappearance, garnering 13,000 followers and hundreds of thousands of views.
Mr Bishop's family expressed their gratitude at the 'incredible support, generosity, and compassion' throughout this 'heartbreaking time', revealing they've been 'surrounded by love through every moment of this journey'.
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