Arena had worked overnight at the family’s Crosta d’Oro bakery on the corner of High and Clarendon Streets in Thornbury, before leaving at 11.30 am on the morning of May 24, 1984.
Arena then drove to Surrey Street, Pascoe Vale, in his white Ford Cortina sedan to inspect the new home he was building.
Arena was seen at this location by a neighbour at 11.45 am – the last time he was seen alive.
He was supposed to collect his eight-year-old son from school that day, but he never arrived.
At approximately 4.30 pm that day, Arena was found deceased by his eldest son and a friend in the family home on O’Heas Street, Coburg.
Police believe he had been shot whilst he slept.
Arena was only 50 years old at the time of his death.
He was described as a loving husband and father of three children aged 20, 17 and eight, who worked hard to provide for his family while building their dream home in Pascoe Vale.
Despite an extensive and thorough investigation, the person who violently attacked and killed Arena in his own home is yet to be brought to justice, and investigators have not been able to establish any reason for his murder.
Detectives are urging anyone with information about the person responsible for this brutal crime to please come forward, in the hope that justice and closure can be provided to his grieving family, 37 years on.
In particular, investigators are would like to speak with anyone who was in the area of O’Heas Street, Coburg or Surrey Street, Pascoe Vale, on May 24, 1984 and saw Arena’s white Ford Cortina sedan, or observed anything suspicious.
Police are also keen to hear from anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity in either Fraser, Rolland, Sutherland or Murray Streets, which border the rear access lane to the Arena’s family home.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report via the Crime Stoppers Victoria website.
