Alleged 'house of horrors killer' smirks in court as he's accused of decapitating man

Athena Georgopoulos and her partner were killed. (Image: Facebook)

A homeless man smiled and winked while in court charged with murdering a mother-to-be and decapitating her partner before putting his head on a spike. Ross Judd appeared in Melbourne Magistrates Court on Wednesday, winking after he tripped while walking into the dock and smiling throughout the hearing. He stands accused of two counts of murder after Athena Georgopoulos, 39, and Andrew Gunn, 50, were found dead in their home in southeast Melbourne.

The prosecution asked for a ten-week extension due to the complexity of the crime scene and said autopsies may be delayed as Athena was five months pregnant when she died. Judd, 34, has not appeared in custody before today, his legal aid lawyer said. She added that the accused should see the custody nurse for "follow-up medication and physical health issues".

Athena Georgopoulos was five months pregnant when she died. (Image: Facebook)

Athena's mother Petty issued a heartbreaking tribute to her daughter online, saying, "I will never stop loving you". 

She wrote on Facebook: "My little heart, you left life so unfairly that I still cannot believe it. In recent days you were so happy - we made dreams together for our little granddaughter that you were going to bring into your life. 

"And suddenly, everything was erased in one night, when an [alleged] murderer cut the thread of your life and of my little granddaughter’s life that you were going to bring into the world in four months. 

"No matter how much they separated us, I will never stop loving you. Forever. Until we meet again, my little girl, in the light of the angels."

Police responded to calls on Monday after locals heard yelling coming from Athena and Andrew's home, with armed police swarming the property just before 10pm local time.

Judd was arrested hous later, around four miles from the crime scene with two large dogs. Police claimed he was known to the couple, but they are still working to determine a connection and alleged motive. 

Detective Inspector Dean Thomas from the homicide squad said: "Police were called at about 9.20pm in relation to a welfare check at the address based on some yelling that was heard from the property.

"A second call was then made that suggested it was perhaps more urgent than the first call and police arrived minutes later, and obviously they found the male and female inside the premises deceased."