UPDATED: Stepson charged with murder of ex-Canberra man found 'mummified' in Gold Coast home

UPDATED 1:30 pm: The man charged with murdering ex-Canberra resident Tomislav Nemes has been remanded in custody.

The case against Nikola Golem, a 48-year-old from the Gold Coast suburb of Benowa, was heard in the Southport Magistrates Court on Wednesday (23 August).

He was remanded in custody and the matter was adjourned to 22 September.

The ABC has reported that Mr Golem is the stepson of 69-year-old Mr Nemes.

9:50 am: A 48-year-old man has been charged with murder in relation to the death of Tomislav Nemes at Benowa on the Gold Coast.

The 69-year-old man’s remains were found in an Edinburgh Street home during a welfare check on 17 April. Police said initial enquiries indicated Mr Nemes may have been dead at the home for more than 12 months.

“The body was in an advanced state of decomposition,” Acting Detective Inspector Mark Proctor said on 15 August.

“It did have a mummified look to it.”

Mr Nemes and his family moved from the ACT to Queensland in 2018.

He said Mr Nemes’ wife and stepson had continued to live at the property during the 12 months and he described them as “persons of interest” as they had been inside the house at the time.

A crime scene was declared at the Edinburgh Street home, and Operation Victor Countryside was established to investigate the circumstances of Mr Nemes’ death.

Following extensive investigations, a 48-year-old man was taken into custody at Southport yesterday (22 August) and charged with one count of murder. He is expected to appear before Southport Magistrates Court today (23 August).

Detectives have released vision of the 17 April welfare check in an appeal to the public for any information that could assist the investigation into Mr Nemes’ death.

Police urge any friends, family or associates of Mr Nemes or the other occupants at the property, along with anyone who has visited his home in recent years, to come forward.

Investigations remain ongoing.

If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form at Queensland Police or call 131 444. Quote QP2300641468.