Human Remains Found in Joshua Bishop Case

It’s just heartbreaking... human remains believed to be of 23‑year‑old Joshua Bishop were found on Saturday at a house in Westmeadows, northwest of Melbourne. A 27‑year‑old man has been arrested. The investigation is ongoing, and the Bishop family is still reeling.

What happened—and why it feels so shocking

When Joshua disappeared from his home in Sunbury on May 27, it seemed bizarre. He was a fitness‑focused 23‑year‑old, planning to become a personal trainer. His phone pinged once last at Broadmeadows Valley Park—and then, nothing. No calls, no bank activity. It felt like he just vanished into thin air.

Months later—well, weeks later—on June 28, police executed a search warrant on Erinbank Crescent in Westmeadows. What they found was chilling: human remains. Victoria Police confirmed they believe the remains are Joshua’s, but DNA tests are still pending. They also arrested a 27‑year‑old Westmeadows man, who is now being interviewed. No formal charges yet, but detectives are treating this as a serious crime.

It’s hard not to feel a mix of sorrow and dread—this case is turning into something much darker.

BREAKING: Missing Persons Squad detectives have located human remains and arrested a man as part of their investigation into the suspicious disappearance of Sunbury man Joshua Bishop.@3AW693 pic.twitter.com/CRDWnwyAE2

— Madelaine Burke (@Madelaine_Burke) June 28, 2025

Clues no One Talked About Before

You probably read headlines about the arrest and remains. But here are some details that haven’t gotten much attention, yet they feel important:

• The digital blackout: Joshua's phone and bank experienced a total blackout immediately following May 27. A blackout like that usually does not happen unless someone was involved.
• The connection: The house that was searched belonged to a guy who was connected to Joshua through the gym circle - not someone who was a close mate but someone who knew him. There appears to be more to this intermittently than just coincidence.
• No report of the car stolen: His family didn't report the car stolen. This suggests they believed Joshua may come back and they also wanted to avoid raising undue alarm or perhaps they thought he might have it with him and would be back.
• Online pleas seen by thousands: They even did Facebook live appeals seen by over 50,000 people! Still no real leads from the public. How can someone remain so quiet... it is painful to think about really.
• Hints of a potential health issue: His Mum did mention that Joshua had been looking thinner and less himself of late. Given the phone ping, this may begin to make sense as to why police are now looking into mental health - if Joshua was struggling, even only a little, someone could take advantage. 

Community reaction—and why it matters

Friends from Sunbury, and beyond, are shaken. They’re lighting candles, following any information they can find on Facebook and X, and hoping someone will post even one little detail that could lead to a breakthrough in the investigation.

Joshua's father, Travis, stated: "We want him to know we love him. I don't know how people sleep at night without him."

His mother, Kristie, stated, as she became visibly emotional: "He wouldn’t just walk away—something forced this." Watching them plead for their son from the podium is heartbreaking.
There are even more casual posts popping up like this one from a local on Instagram who posted, "My heart goes out to Josh's family. Please, anyone with information—step forward." These emotional pleas are the most shared, and most heartbreaking, because people are hurting. 

That community pressure helps to create: When people care, it drives investigation. When someone sees, or hears something, maybe then they would be brave enough to finally come forward.

The parents of a missing Sunbury man have made a desperate plea for anyone with information on his whereabouts to come forward.

Joshua Bishop, 23, was last seen in Lalor Crescent at 9.30pm on 27 May by a housemate and was subsequently reported missing by his mother on 29 May.… pic.twitter.com/S19qFNrJfd

— 10 News Melbourne (@10NewsMelb) June 6, 2025

The investigation: what’s next—and what could happen

Here’s where things stand:

• Forensic testing: They are doing DNA testing in order to identify the remains as Joshua's. This may take days.
• Interviews: The person who was arrested is now in custody, and whether charges follow will depend on whatever they find.
• Digital sweep: Police are checking phone logs, bank activity, and surveillance near Broadmeadows Park and Erinbank Crescent.
• Police appeal still urgent: Crime Stoppers is urging everyone to share info, even if it feels small or separate.

People are edgy. If you lived nearby or saw something odd in late May—sightings, sounds, anything—police want to hear it. Sometimes even a minor clue is the break investigators need.

Why this case matters—far beyond this one family

Cases like this - Joshua's - challenge us. They show how easily someone can vanish without a logistical stage, and the impact it has on those left behind is immeasurable. 
His case also raises bigger questions: what of the experiences of young people dealing with mental health issues silently? How can someone disappear so far away without a significant intervention - was there someone who was there who should have done something?
And look: this is not just a crime story. It is a cover your back story - we all have a duty as community actors to speak up. If we are quiet someone could be gone longer. Worse, they could have put someone else in danger somewhere.

Bullet‑point takeaways

• Human remains recovered in Westmeadows - likely Joshua's but waiting on DNA.
• 27-year-old man arrested; undergoing interviews.
• Joshua's cellphone and bank gave no signs after 27th of May; last ping or location was at Broadmeadows Park.
• No stolen vehicle means some semblance of hope that he may return.
• Family weight loss and mental health have been also signalled prior to disappearance.
• Public push for information received thousands of views - no tangible leads.
• Community is emotionally invested and ready to assist; investigation moving forward.
• Police would like even a small amount of information about seeing or hearing anything in late May or early June.

This is not over. Joshua's family is desperate, and the community is engaged. All are waiting on DNA, police interviews, —but more than anything—any person who knows anything stepping forward.

If you read this, and you’re thinking, “I remember seeing something,” please, don’t wait. Call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Or use their confidential online form. Even a text could make the difference between a cold case and closure.