Trial for the murder of Herman Rockefeller

Herman Rockefeller was a Melbourne, millionaire. He was also a successful businessman, investing in property.

All of that changed when he made the fatal mistake of going to a swinger's party on his own.

Mr Rockefeller was beaten, dismembered and burnt by Mario Schembriand Bernadette Denny. The 52 year old father of two had made contact with the pair through a swinger's magazine.

He placed an advertisement in the magazine and met withthe couple in December. At this time he had sex with Denny whilst Schembri watched.

This first meeting was so successful that another one was planned. This time though Herman was supposed to bring his wife along. When he did not violence ensued.

It was claimed that Herman tried to make excuses for his wife's no show, claiming that she was ill. He then tried to pacify an angry Schembri to no avail. Schembri stated that he felt he had let Rockefeller use his wife and had been deceived.

Schembri told the police that he had lashed out at Rockefeller and punched him. He claims that Mr Rockefeller fell and hit his head causing the fatal blow.

After keeping the body a couple of days a chainsaw was used to dismember him. The body was then placed in a large drum and the pair attempted to burn it. Mr Rockefeller was missing for eight days. Eventually his body was found in a yard.

The court also heard how it is believed that Mr Rockefeller told his wife that he would be late returning from a business trip, whilst in fact he was visiting Schembri and Denny. It appears that Mrs Rockefeller knew nothing of this double life of her husband.

Denny and Schembri were arrested on January 28th. They admitted murder and unlawfully disposing of a body.

A murder charge was withdrawn and the pair pleaded guilty to manslaughter, in a court in Melbourne, Australia, on 13th July 2010.

Denny and Schembri will now face the Crown Court on July 27th 2010.