Murder probe widens as friends say farewell

Alex de Vos
Police hunted a fourth suspect in the shooting murder of Corio’s Brock Nightingale as family and friends gathered at his funeral in Bell Post Hill on Wednesday.
Hundreds of mourners wept while they remembered their cheeky friend, a father of two who they said was always there for them.
Cousins Lisa and Nicole bid a tearful farewell in a personal tribute for their “brother Brock”.
“He was a strong person who was also strong-willed and knew what he wanted,” the girls told mourners at the funeral service.
“He was charming, funny, clever and taught me to be a better person – he had so much love for his daughters and it’s so sad that he’s gone.”
Best friend Travis read an emotional tribute written by Mr Nightgale’s daughter, Jasyln.
“I miss you daddy Brock and I love you very much,” the tribute said.
“I will look after the Batman you gave me and I will always remember you.”
Fighting back tears, Travis described Mr Nightingale, 26, as the brother he never had.
“I could sit here all day and tell you stories but everyone knows what we got up to,” Travis said.
“He was always there for me and will leave a big hole in everyone’s heart.”
Police this week widened their investigation into the October 24 murder with a hunt for a fourth suspect.
Mr Nightingale was gunned down at his Cloverdale Drive home.
Two men suffering gunshot wounds have been remanded in custody over his death.
Police charged Batesford’s Matthew Grotheer, 29, and Herne Hill’s Jayden Bishop, 21, with one count of murder each.
They will face court in March.
Police were still waiting, when the Independent went to press, to interview another injured man who presented to Geelong Hospital with two gun- shot wounds.
He was listed as under police guard in a stable condition at Geelong Hospital.
Police said they believed a fourth man might have been at the murder scene when Mr Nightingale was shot.
Police urged anyone with information to phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or to visit website www.crimestoppers.com.au.