Photo: Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOS
Frankston, VIC – A 35‑year‑old Bayswater man has pleaded not guilty to murder following a fatal stabbing in Frankston earlier this year, telling police he was acting in self‑defence and never meant to kill.
Rocky Russo is accused of killing 30‑year‑old Heatherton man Matthew Salau during a confrontation at a home on Ashleigh Street in the early hours of 10 June 2024. The incident is at the centre of a major Supreme Court trial that will test whether Russo’s actions were criminal or legally justified.
‘He swung at me’: Russo claims self-defence
In a police interview played for the jury, Russo said he went to the house after hearing Salau had threatened a woman over a $5,000 debt. His stated intent was only to “scare him a little bit.”
“He swung at me. I swung at him. I hit him in the face and he pulled out a knife,” Russo told police.
“He swung the knife at me and as he did he hit the table and dropped it… I didn’t realise I had the knife in my hand. I didn’t mean it. It was an accident.”
Russo said he acted instinctively and did not realise he had stabbed Salau until after the struggle. He denies bringing a weapon to the scene.
Prosecutors allege premeditated attack
The prosecution alleges Russo deliberately armed himself before confronting Salau. One witness testified Russo later admitted to stabbing Salau during a conversation at Crown Casino, reportedly telling the associate he had “f—ed up” and expected to “go away for a long time.”
Police allege Russo avoided main roads when travelling to the Frankston home and may have brought a wooden stake, found snapped near the scene.
Prosecutors maintain the stabbing was a deliberate act of violence, not an accident, and that Russo intended to cause serious harm.
Defence: No intent to kill
Defence counsel David Cronin told the court the altercation unfolded rapidly and without planning. He said Russo was responding to a sudden threat and that Salau was “responsive and still upright” when Russo left.
“Rocky Russo didn’t intend to murder him,” Cronin said. “He was acting in self-defence.”
Victim: Matthew Salau remembered
Matthew Salau was found with critical injuries outside the Ashleigh Street property and died at the scene. Paramedics and police were unable to revive him.
Neighbours reported hearing screams and seeing a man fleeing the scene. Some described the area as a known trouble spot, citing frequent police visits and drug-related activity.
Salau was remembered on social media as a “funny bugger” and a “very gentle spirit.”
Legal clarity: What is murder and self-defence in Victoria?
Under Victorian law, a person commits murder if they:
- Intend to kill or cause serious injury, and
- Their actions result in death,
- Without lawful justification.
Self-defence is a legal defence under Section 322K of the Crimes Act 1958 (Vic). It applies when:
- A person genuinely believes their actions are necessary to defend themselves or another, and
- Their response is reasonable in the circumstances as they saw them.
If self-defence is raised, the prosecution must disprove it beyond reasonable doubt. If the jury believes Russo’s actions were justified or cannot rule out self-defence, he must be acquitted.
Trial continues
The trial is being heard before Justice Amanda Fox at the Victorian Supreme Court. The jury will ultimately determine whether Russo is guilty of murder, manslaughter, or acted lawfully in self-defence.
Further evidence and cross-examinations are expected in the coming days.
