Michael Harrison: Man to remain in custody over alleged murder of Daniel Berry at St Pat’s in Fremantle

The man accused of murdering another man inside a Fremantle social housing complex has faced court and will remain behind bars for at least another month.

Michael Victor Harrison, 53, was arrested on Tuesday night and charged with one count of murder after the body of 49-year-old Daniel Peter Berry was discovered inside a room at St Pat’s community housing complex.

Police were called to the Hampton Road building shortly after 6pm on Tuesday night after Mr Berry’s body was believed to have been discovered by security guards.

It is alleged that Mr Harrison murdered the 49-year-old on January 19 — his body lying undetected inside the room for almost a week.

Police say the pair are known to each other.

In Fremantle Magistrates Court on Thursday morning, Mr Harrison appeared dishevelled, in a white forensic jumpsuit.

He self-represented and only spoke to say he understood the charge.

No bail application was lodged or considered, and his matter was moved to Stirling Magistrates Court on February 21.

Housing and Homelessness Minister John Carey on Thursday morning spoke of how homelessness centres often cover and encounter a “huge spectrum of issues”.

“Managing homeless complexes and services is deeply challenging,” he said.

“I’ve not been briefed yet on what has happened there, but I do know our homelessness providers, they do face very difficult scenarios. And I have to say this — it is never easy.

“I don’t think we should ever sweep under the carpet that homeless service centres do and are presented with challenging situations and conflicts.

“They do have set procedures and programs to deal with those scenarios, and of course, we will always review and look at providers and what policies are in place.”

Detectives and forensic officers could be seen combing through the room and photographing the scene on Thursday morning.

A man, nicknamed “Buffy”, who lives next door to the alleged victim said he had heard banging on the wall on Tuesday evening.

“On Tuesday, the security guard opened the door and I walked past and I saw a body in the room laying there . . . He was a good guy, he didn’t make trouble.”

Another resident said she used to drink with the alleged victim.

“It’s very scary, I didn’t sleep very well the past few days. There’s just been police here all the time, too,” she said.

“The homicide detectives told me there’s a murder investigation. I’ve been here six years, and a lot of people have died here.

“It’s horrible. He used to love a drink, but he pretty much kept to himself.”

Another resident said he was shocked to hear that someone had possibly “been killed”.

Chief Executive Officer of St Pat’s Michael Piu on Thursday afternoon said the staff at the community centre were “shocked” and “saddened” to hear of the death of an individual who had been living there.

“Out of respect for their privacy, and that of their family and loved ones, we will not be making any comments at this time.

“However, we also understand that this is distressing for everyone in our community. Our main priority over the coming days will be to provide support to other residents at this difficult time.”