UPDATE: A 73-year-old accused murderer has walked out of the Victorian Supreme Court after a judge granted him bail based on his “special vulnerabilities.” Steven Johnson was charged with the murder of Christopher Jarvis, who disappeared in June 2006 from his home in Wangoom, Victoria. The ruling, delivered by Justice Rita Incerti on Friday morning, has sent shockwaves through the community as many question the implications of the decision.
The court found that Johnson’s age and medical conditions made his time in custody particularly difficult, leading Justice Incerti to declare that the prosecution’s case, while significant, had “triable issues.” Johnson’s emotional response was palpable as he wiped tears away upon hearing the decision. “Thank you, Your Honour,” he said, pledging to adhere to all bail conditions.
Jarvis, who was just 38 at the time of his disappearance, is believed to be buried in Framlingham Forest, an Indigenous trust area. Johnson’s alleged co-accused, Glenn Fenwick, has already pleaded guilty to manslaughter and will be eligible for parole as early as October. He claims he only assisted Johnson during the fatal confrontation over unpaid rent, while the prosecution alleges Johnson used a baseball bat and a starter pistol against Jarvis.
Amidst mounting public concern, Justice Incerti rejected claims that Johnson posed an unacceptable risk of fleeing or tampering with evidence. She implemented strict bail conditions, including a $500,000 surety from Johnson’s wife, a nighttime curfew from 9 PM to 6 AM, and a no-contact order with Fenwick.
Johnson’s return to court is scheduled for a committal hearing in January 2024, where the credibility of the evidence will be critically assessed. Justice Incerti emphasized the importance of the case, stating, “Credibility and reliability will be a central issue in this case.”
As Johnson exited the courtroom, flanked by family as media clamored for comments, the community remains on edge, grappling with the implications of this unexpected ruling. Will Johnson face justice, or will this case slip through the cracks? The developments in January will be closely watched as the story unfolds. This case continues to resonate deeply, reminding us of the unresolved tragedy surrounding Christopher Jarvis.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
