A man from Australia allegedly sedated his stepfather and kept his decomposing 'mummified' body at home. Police have now charged the stepson following a lengthy investigation.
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On February 10, the Southport Magistrates Court heard that Tomislav Nemes, 69, 'likely died of sepsis from bed sores,' per a report by ABC. Authorities estimate that Tomislav died sometime between August 2021 and February 2022.
Police reportedly discovered the remains at the family's home in Gold Coast during a welfare check in 2023 and described them as having a 'mummified look.' The outlet alleges that Nemes' stepson, Nikola Golem, was living with the decomposing body. Nemes' wife, Dragica, was also living at the residence.
Per a report by People, the court was told that Nemes "suffered from health issues, including chronic lower back pain and diabetes." Ian Dickinson, the family's physician, allegedly stated that Mr Nemes was overweight, had chronic lower back pain, and took medication for blood pressure and diabetes. However, his health conditions were under control as per his last clinic visit in 2020.
According to ABC, the court heard that Nemes and his family were skeptical of Western medicine. Golem reportedly told police that Nemes was bedridden, refused to see a doctor, and resisted the family calling an ambulance to take him to hospital.
An Undercover Police Officer Befriended The Stepson During The Investigation.
Per ABC, Police told the court that they used an undercover officer to befriend Golem. Detective Senior Constable Marie Adams reportedly requested that Golem be interviewed twice in light of his comments.
"Due to Mr Golem asking our [undercover officer] to take a hit out on me and my colleague and offering $100,000 to kill us basically and blow up police stations." Detective Senior Constable Adams explained. She later clarified that the threat was "outlandish," with no evidence of Golem planning it.
Detective Senior Constable Adams reportedly testified that Golem knew his stepfather "was going to die, and it was all financially based." Per People, Martin Longhurst, Golem's barrister, brought up the accusation that his client sedated Nemes in court. Longhurst argued that there was "no evidence that his client sedated Nemes." He admitted Golem "administered herbal medications to his stepfather, but did not know what the medications were."
The outlet explains that Golem has not yet entered a plea. He is expected to stand trial at the Supreme Court in Brisbane in the future.
