Chris Kafkias has been acquitted of murdering a close family friend on Christmas Eve 2010 – the day he was supposed to repay him more than $180,000.
The 30-year-old from Doncaster East repeatedly denied murdering his friend of 16 years at his Victorian Supreme Court trial, adding that he loved the deceased man, John Kelly.
After the verdict, Mr Kafkias’s solicitor, Anthony Condello, of the law firm Acquaro & Co, said: “It was a hard-fought victory that had brought much relief to the family.
“Mr Kafkias is now looking forward to a new life alongside his family and friends as he puts all this behind him.”
Mr Kelly, 54, was found dead at his Donvale home by Kafkias’ sister on December 28, 2010.
Kafkias admitted to lying to police during his interview when he told them that Mr Kelly was alive and well the last time he saw him.
But he said he lied because he was scared.
Asked by prosecutor Daryl Brown why he had not told anyone about the discovery of his friend’s body, Kafkias said: “Honestly, I don’t know why I didn’t say anything”.
But he repeated multiple times in the witness box: “I did not kill John Kelly”.
The jury of six men and six women agreed.