A man has fronted court charged with the murder of a man whose remains were found in a chest freezer buried in his own backyard.
Bobby Andrew Weaver, 24, faced Ipswich Magistrates Court today charged with the murder of 58-year-old David Thornton, of Ipswich.
The court was told he is also set to be charged with improperly interfering with a corpse.
Police arrested Mr Weaver at a Pacific Highway rest stop in Tyagarah near Byron Bay yesterday. The Peak Crossing man is understood to be a long-time family friend of Thornton.
The chest freezer was found buried in Thornton's backyard by police, who have been searching the Goodna property over several days. Police have confirmed human remains found inside the freezer belong to Thornton.
Police believe the murder was carried out between January 24 and March 30 this year. Thornton was reported missing by concerned family on March 22.
Neighbour Brian Nicholls told 9News he’d seen an excavator being used to bury the chest freezer two weeks ago.
Detective Inspector David Briese said it was suspicious behaviour reported by neighbours which led them to excavate Thornton’s backyard.
“We are treating this as suspicious at this present time. All possibilities are open,” Det Insp Briese said.
“He lived here on his own, he has family friends and relatives (who) have been assisting us in particular over the past few days.”
Mr Weaver was remanded in custody during a brief mention in which his case was adjourned to April 17.