Melbourne Teen Death: Manslaughter Charge Dropped, Perverting Justice Charge Applied

A manslaughter charge against a man accused of killing a 19-year-old woman and hiding her body in a fridge has been withdrawn, with a charge of attempting to pervert the course of justice applied instead.

Tue May 12 2026

Manslaughter Charge Withdrawn, New Charge Applied

Prosecutors in Australia have withdrawn a manslaughter charge against Marat Ganiev, 55, who had been accused of killing 19-year-old Isla Bell and hiding her body in a fridge. Instead, Ganiev will be charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice.

Case Details

Marat Ganiev was previously accused of killing Isla Bell in the early hours of October 7, 2024, and subsequently concealing her body in a fridge. This case has drawn significant attention in Australia, and further decisions by judicial authorities are anticipated.

*Source: The Guardian World (2026-05-12)*

Tags: #Australia #Melbourne #Manslaughter #Perverting Justice #MaratGaniev