The grief-stricken family of a father allegedly murdered by a teenager while walking his dog have welcomed a new baby boy.
Paul Grapsas, 40, left his Western Beach Road home in Geelong, Victoria on the night of September 14 with the family pet, but the dog returned without him.
Mr Grapsas’ body was found by his pregnant wife Jessica lying next to his car outside a church in nearby Malone Street at about 4am the following morning.
The beloved father-of-three died from significant head injuries with detectives charging 18-year-old Belmont man Bailey Clifford with his alleged murder.
On Monday, three months after her husband’s death Ms Grapsas gave birth to their third child – a healthy baby boy she named Alexander Paul Grapsas.
Paul Grapsas, 40, left his Western Beach Road home in Geelong, Victoria on the night of September 14 with the family pet. He was discovered the following morning by his wife
On Monday, two months after her husband’s death Ms Grapsas gave birth to their third child – a healthy baby boy she named Alexander Paul Grapsas (mother and son are pictured)
She shared the happy news with loved ones on Facebook on Tuesday.
‘At 8.20pm Monday 18/12/23 we welcomed ‘Alexander Paul Grapsas’ into the world. The meaning of his name is ‘defender of men’ and ‘humble’, she wrote.
‘He will be this for our family; our little man of the house, standing for his proud daddy in humility and strength just like Paul Grapsas did.
‘After a hard long labour and failed epidural he needed to be born via a caesarean. 3.5kg and super cute and cuddly.
‘Girls are super excited to be big sisters to a baby brother.’
Ms Grapsas said she was using the time in hospital to process the ‘joy and grief of this beautiful time’ as well as relax and recover.
Family and friends shared their congratulations in the comments.
‘How perfect to have a little boy for you and the girls. I’m sure he will bring so much joy, and have his dad to guide him,’ one wrote.
‘I’m sure Paul is watching over you and very proud,’ another said.
‘What a perfect little boy to join your family. He will carry Paul’s name forever,’ a third commented.
The beloved father-of-three (pictuered) died from significant head injuries on September 14
Mr Grapsas (left) was farewelled by loved ones at the Barrabool Auditorium on October 3
Mr Grapsas was farewelled by loved ones at the Barrabool Auditorium on October 3.
His wife said she had met her ‘devoted, true and respectful’ husband when they were teenagers and that they had been inseparable ever since.
‘Paul and his moment of death was far from perfect like us all,’ she said.
‘But he knew a perfect love. And when he died, he wasn’t walking. He ran straight into the arms of his loving father.
‘He ran the race into his final step and leaves this truth until his final breath.’
A GoFundMe organised Mr Grapsas’s sister-in-law Emmily Hunter has raised $105,841 of its $200,000 for the family.
‘It’s been just over 3 months since Paul Grapsas died. Jessica and the girls have been adjusting to life without a husband and a father,’ she wrote on Thursday.
‘This week on Monday 18/12/23 at 8.20pm, ‘Alexander Paul Grapsas’ was born into the world. The meaning of his name is ‘defender of men’ and ‘humble’.
‘He will be this for the family; our little man of the house, standing for his proud daddy in humility and strength just like Paul Grapsas did.
‘Thank you for all your generous donations so far. Please continue to remember Jessica and her three young children in your prayers and if you can spare a donation it would be so much appreciated.’
18-year-old Belmont man Bailey Clifford has been charged with Mr Grapsas’ alleged murder
Clifford is due to next appear in Geelong Magistrates Court on January 30.
The court previously heard that up to 50 exhibits will be analysed by forensic experts to determine Mr Grapsas’ cause of death.
Investigators have asked for anyone with dashcam or CCTV footage from the area from September 15 to contact them.
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