Isla Bell Case: Murder Charge Dropped, Accused Now Faces Trial for Obstructing Justice

Marat Ganiev, 55, was accused of murdering 19-year-old Isla Bell, whose remains were found at a Melbourne rubbish tip in November 2024. The charge was reduced, then dropped in May 2026 for lack of evidence. He was instead charged with trying to obstruct justice. On 24 July 2026, Victoria's Supreme Court rejected his attempt to dismiss that charge, allowing prosecutors to refile. The case returns in August.