Millionaire murder accused back in court

The Melbourne property where the body of Rockefeller was found. Photo / Supplied

Two people alleged to have murdered Melbourne multi-millionaire Herman Rockefeller were separated by a security guard during a brief court appearance yesterday.

The body of the 52-year-old property investor was found in a junk-strewn suburban backyard in Melbourne's northwest on Friday, eight days after he was reported missing on January 21.

The former Brierley Investments executive and Carter Holt Harvey director had business links, friends and family in New Zealand, including Prime Minister John Key.

Mr Key said he was saddened by the death and would send a message of condolence to the family.

"I knew Herman well. I went to his wedding with Vicky. He was a loyal friend to me and you know it's tragic when anyone's murdered. In a case when I know them well, obviously I feel that a bit more closely."

He did not want to comment on the more controversial aspects of the case.

It has been claimed Mr Rockefeller was using erotic websites to find partners in Melbourne's swingers network.

Police allege Mario Schembri, 57, of Wallan, and Bernadette Denny, 41, of Hadfield, murdered Mr Rockefeller at Denny's home.

When the pair appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates Court for a short filing hearing yesterday, a security guard stood between them.

Schembri, who was wearing a white T-shirt, appeared to be trying to get Denny's attention during the hearing.

Denny, wearing an orange zip-up top, sat looking towards the front of the court throughout the five-minute hearing.

At one point, Schembri appeared to hide from a court sketch artist.

Schembri's son was in court, which also heard that Denny requires medication for arthritis.

No evidence was presented during the hearing and the pair were not required to enter pleas. They were remanded in custody until May 24 for a committal hearing.

Schembri's street address was suppressed after an application by his lawyer, but not Denny's because it was already widely known.

A hearing on Friday was told Mr Rockefeller was killed within hours of returning to Melbourne from an interstate business trip.

He was last seen on CCTV footage at Melbourne Airport after 9pm on January 21.

His 2007 Toyota Prius was found abandoned in rural Victoria four days later.

- AAP, staff reporter