Murder charge dropped

By Melissa Grant and
A CLOUD of mystery still remains over the brutal killing of Pakenham businessman Michael Griffey, after murder charges against his estranged wife were dropped on Monday.
Diane Griffey was to stand trial over the murder of Mr Griffey, but walked free from the Supreme Court when the case was abandoned.
Prosecutors withdrew the charge, telling the Supreme Court the Crown wouldn’t be able to prove who killed Mr Griffey.
His body was found in the garage of the family’s Ahern Road home on 2 January, 2006.
Police had alleged financial gain was the motive for the murder, with Ms Griffey the beneficiary of two life insurance policies worth more than $1 million.
Magistrate Paul Smith said during Ms Griffey’s committal hearing in February 2007 that the case against her was “borderline”, but said there were key pieces of evidence he would still like a jury to consider.
The Melbourne Magistrates’ Court heard that Mr Griffey suffered at least three severe blows to the head. During that hearing, Defence counsel Chris Dane said police were unable to produce evidence that liked his client with the crime as they didn’t find a murder weapon or establish exactly when Mr Griffey died.
Ms Griffey’s trial was expected to take place in October 2007, but was postponed after their daughter Cassandra, then 17, allegedly confessed to being responsible.
Police interviewed their son Kenny in February 2006 but released him without charge.