Man charged with murder of missing Pemberton father

Updated August 31, 2021 â€" 1.50pmfirst published August 30, 2021 â€" 6.16pm

Homicide squad detectives have charged a 64-year-old man with murder following the disappearance of Pemberton man Tony Ditri.

Mr Ditri’s vehicle was found abandoned in bushland around 15 kilometres from the town centre, sparking an investigation into the father-of-three’s whereabouts.

The 40-year-old was last seen at a local rubbish tip about 3pm on Friday, August 27. Suspicions were raised when he didn’t appear at a family dinner in Manjimup later that day.

Friend Ross Varnavides posted to social media about searching the bush for a sign or clue that would help find Mr Ditri.

Mr Varnavides said his friend’s truck had been found abandoned just off Pemberton-Northcliffe Road some time between 3pm and 6pm on Friday afternoon.

“Extremely unusual circumstances. Tony is one of the most genuine humans you will ever meet. Someone knows something and if you do please report it to the police. His family and friends are very concerned,” he wrote.

Homicide squad detectives were called in on Saturday to take control of the investigation, with buckwheat farmer John Della Franca arrested over the weekend.

Mr Della Franca appeared in Bunbury Magistrates Court on Tuesday morning, accused of murdering Mr Ditri on August 27 in Collins.

He was not required to enter a plea and was remanded in custody to appear again in a Perth court on September 29.

with Michael Stamp

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