Greek-Australian Steve Constantinou has been charged with the hideous murder of Johanna Martin, a 65-year-old Melbourne stripper and prostitute who called herself Jazzy-O.
Constantinou was present on the stand while forensics experts explained the evidence for the cause of death. The veteran sex worker was found dead in Port Melbourne in October 11 last year, strangled and beaten to death. Well-known in the local sex industry, she was also a grandmother, widow and self-made millionaire.
Forensic pathologist Dr Paul Bedford told the court Ms Martin died as a result of strangulation or neck compression. There were no apparent injuries or marking to the fingernails or fingertips of the accused and no direct evidence that Ms Martin tried to struggle against choking, leading to the suggestion that the victim was choked from behind.
Constatinou was also charged with stealing various gold chains, rings and bangles collectively worth $33,000 belonging to Ms Martin. The accused has not applied for bail and has remanded in custody with Magistrate Hugh Radford ordering his committal hearing to resume on September 18th.
See all the latest news from Greece and the world at Greekreporter.com. Contact our newsroom to report an update or send your story, photos and videos. Follow GR on Google News and subscribe here to our daily email!
