Murder charge upgraded after body discovered in Victoria

The charge against a man accused of shooting a Melbourne father has been upgraded to murder following the discovery of a body last week.

Mohammed Aboueid, 56, was initially charged with intentionally causing serious injury after an alleged dispute unfolded at a home in Wildwood, north-west of the city, on August 19.

During that dispute, police allege Mr Aboueid shot 37-year-old Khaled Malas, who was then reported missing.

Police conducted a large-scale search for Mr Malas, which came to an end last Wednesday, when human remains were discovered.

Police said his body was found covered in grass on Havelock Road in Clarkefield, about 15 kilometres from Wildwood.

Mr Aboueid has been remanded in custody and will face the Melbourne Magistrates' Court in November.

Friends remembered Mr Malas as a "humble, hard-working man who loved his young family" and someone who was deeply respected by his community.