Man charged with murder after Footscray pub fight
A 37-year-old man has been charged with murder following the death of a 25-year-old outside a Footscray hotel on Sunday night, with local business owners calling for urgent action on violent crime in the area.
According to nine.com.au, witnesses say a fight broke out inside the Courthouse Hotel on Nicholson Street before spilling onto the street. A 25-year-old man was found with serious injuries in an alleyway behind the venue about 7.45pm, believed to have stumbled there after the altercation. Paramedics attended but were unable to save him, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators canvassed surrounding streets yesterday gathering information and evidence. Police arrested the Williamstown man without incident at Yarraville railway station at approximately 8.30pm on Monday. He has been charged with murder and was expected to appear before Melbourne Magistrates Court.
Police indicated the two men were known to each other and confirmed they were not seeking anyone else in connection with the incident.
The killing has renewed concerns about safety in the inner-west suburb, with local business owners telling 9News that violent crime had become a persistent problem.
"We need 24-hour security around Footscray. It's very hard for small businesses around here," one owner said.
"Authorities have to do something about it, it has to be controlled," another added.
Anyone with information, footage or who witnessed the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Jonathan Jackson, 9th June 2026
