By Mitchell Clarke
A murdered Officer man, who was wanted by police, has been remembered by his family as the “biggest gentleman” who would do anything for family and friends.
Luke Price, 34, was allegedly murdered just two days after police issued a warrant for his arrest for breaching parole.
It’s understood the convicted criminal was struck and killed in Yannathan, just after midnight on Tuesday 11 February.
Police believe Price had stopped his Holden Cruze and exited the vehicle when he was allegedly struck by a Holden Colorado and dragged under the car for 200 metres on Heads Road.
The investigation into the fatal collision was originally being carried out by the Major Collision Investigation Unit, who specialise in road fatalities, but Homicide Squad detectives later took over.
Bradley McStay, 33, from Drouin, who was said to be known to Price, was charged with one count of murder.
Price’s brother Beau told the Gazette his brother wasn’t the person that police made him out to be.
“Luke was a proud dad, a hard working father that loved bikes and cars,” Beau said.
“He was the biggest gentleman and literally would do anything for his family and friends.”
Beau claims his brother breached his parole due to accommodation problems and could no longer live where he was staying.
“He was wanted for not staying where he should have been on parole, not because he did any crimes,” he said.
“He was over the moon that he had been released on parole.”
Beau confirmed that in December 2017, two warrants were issued for his brother’s arrest relating to matters including a police car ramming, pursuit, vehicle theft and petrol drive off.
“Luke and I were best friends – the love and respect he had for dad was shown every day,” Beau added.
“Our family is destroyed and will never be the same. I’ve lost my hero and my best mate.”
McStay faced the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 12 February and was remanded in custody.
