Queensland man Zlatko Sikorsky has been formally charged with the murder of 16-year-old Larissa Beilby, after a police siege that saw him holed up in a Sunshine Coast apartment block for more than 24 hours.
Police blocked off several streets in Alexandra Headland at around 3.15pm on Friday, and after lengthy negotiations, including a conversation with his father, Sikorsky surrendered peacefully at around 6.30pm on Saturday.
The 34-year-old spent last night in the Maroochydore watch house. This morning, homicide detectives charged him with murder, as well as misconduct with a corpse, after a body found in a barrel on the back of a ute was identified as Beilby.
The teenager was last seen alive on June 15, but allegedly made social media posts several days later. It is understood that she and Zlatko Sikorsky were in a relationship, but police have made no comment as to a possible motive.
Detective Inspector Damien Hansen told media that the suspect is “not cooperating” with police at this stage. “I will say it’s a very unique set of facts,” he added. “He’s in the watch house, he’s been charged and he’ll be spoken to again.”
A 40-year-old woman and a 38-year-old man, both from the Sunshine Coast, have been charged as accessories to murder. It is alleged that the man, named Joseph Geiger, harboured Sikorsky in his apartment. Inspector Hansen added:
“If we find any person who has assisted and aided them, particularly Sikorsky, they will be charged.”
Sikorsky is expected to face a local court on Monday.
