Missing Person was reported missing on the 17/6/01 from his East Bentleigh address. He was last seen in Dandenong Road Caulfield on Friday 15 June 2001. He had lived at this address for the previous 6 months and was normally punctual with rent. He left his room containing all his possessions and made no apparent preparation to leave. He has no vehicle and frequently uses public transport. Police wish to speak to Mr Christianos to confirm his safety and welfare.

 

Body found in wheelie bin was 'artist who vanished in 2001'

A body found in a wheelie bin at a Melbourne storage facility has been identified as that of graphic artist who went missing more than 17 years ago.

Workers discovered the remains of John Christianos, 40, on July 13 in Oakleigh South while they were cleaning out a storage unit.

He went missing in 2001 and was last seen at a residential home in Bentleigh East.

Born in South Australia, Victoria Police say Mr Christianos had been estranged from his family for some time before he disappeared.

An inquest in 2011 found he likely died on or after June 11, 2001.

However, the cause of death and the circumstances were unable to be determined.

"Even though it has been over 17 years since he was last seen, we believe that it is likely there are still people out there who know what happened to John," Missing Persons Squad Detective Inspector Andrew Stampe said in a statement released this morning.

"Clearly something significant has happened after John left his home for his body to be dumped in a bin and locked up for so many years."

Mr Christianos was working as a graphic artist at the time of his disappearance.

Victoria Police said he was known to police across various states for a range of matters including drug use and assaults.

The storage company, which had been operating at the site for 15 years, was recently sold and cleaners were vacating the property when the body was found.

The cleaners opened one of the storage units and found a wheelie bin that was strapped shut. After removing the straps, the workers found it filled with straw or grass.

The cleaners then found a boot in the unit and quickly noticed it was attached to a leg.

Did you know John Christianos? Contact us at sedavidson@nine.com.au 

Anyone with information is being urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.