INQUEST ORDERED INTO DEATH OF DISABLED MAN WHOSE REMAINS WERE FOUND IN BACKYARD
Melbourne, Australia – A coronial inquest has been ordered into the death of Ashley Lunn, a 25-year-old man with an intellectual disability whose remains were discovered in a suburban backyard in Victoria, more than a year after he was last seen alive.
"No missing person report had been filed, and no charges have been laid."
The Discovery
The remains of Mr. Lunn, a resident of Norlane, Victoria, were uncovered in September 2019. A neighbor excavating his property on Sparks Road found the body wrapped in a swag under a disused armchair, located along a shared fence line.
In a disturbing follow-up, additional remains were found in January 2021 by a new resident clearing vegetation on the same property.
Timeline of Events
Last Seen Alive
Mr. Lunn was last seen alive in August 2018. CCTV footage captured him at an ATM with a woman, Maria Phillips. He is believed to have died between August and December 2018.
Living Circumstances
- Mr. Lunn lived with NDIS support and moved into a rental property in 2016.
- A woman using the alias "Bree"—later identified as Maria Phillips—claimed to be his girlfriend.
- Phillips reportedly requested to be added to the lease but was refused.
- In June 2016, Mr. Lunn reported that Phillips had taken his bank card and withdrawn money. He declined to pursue the matter.
Disappearance
- Mr. Lunn terminated his support worker services in 2018.
- His last rental payment was made in May 2019.
- Police repossessed the home in August 2019.
Key Legal Findings
No Missing Person Report
Despite the discovery of remains and the lengthy period Mr. Lunn was unaccounted for, no missing person report had ever been filed.
Cause of Death Unknown
A postmortem examination could not determine the cause or time of death.
Phillips' Conviction
During a directions hearing, counsel assisting the coroner, Amy Johnstone, stated that Phillips's relationship with Lunn is uncertain and that she used Lunn's name as an alias. Johnstone further revealed that Phillips was convicted of using Mr. Lunn's disability support pension after his death.
Court Proceedings
Phillips appeared at the directions hearing via audio link, citing poor health and tuberculosis, and objected to appearing in person. Coroner Liberty Sanger has ordered her attendance at the inquest.
Phillips stated she is an asylum seeker and has retained prominent lawyer Zarah Garde-Wilson.
The Inquest
The Coroners Court of Victoria will hold a formal inquest starting June 22, 2026, to examine the circumstances leading to Mr. Lunn's death. No charges have been laid in relation to the incident.