The cause of death for 19-year-old Isla Bell remains undetermined, as pathologists were unable to exclude the possibility that drugs contributed to her demise. Bell’s body was found sealed inside a fridge that had been transported across Melbourne for several days before being discarded at a recycling facility in March 2023. This revelation emerged during proceedings at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court, where the man accused of assisting in the disposal of her body, Eyal Yaffe, sought to have his GPS ankle bracelet removed.
Bell had been missing for over six weeks when her remains were discovered. The toxicological analysis indicated the presence of multiple substances in her system, including methylamphetamine, cocaine, methadone, and cannabis. According to the pathologists, these substances could not be ruled out as contributing factors to her death.
Inside the courtroom, a woman donned a T-shirt with the message “Stop killing women,” highlighting the public’s concern surrounding the case. Yaffe’s defense counsel, Ian Hill, KC, argued that the 58-year-old should be permitted to modify his bail conditions. Hill asserted that Yaffe was willing to report to a police station in Caulfield seven days a week, even twice daily if necessary, in exchange for the removal of the tracking device, which had caused skin irritation.
Yaffe, who has been living on unemployment benefits and receiving support from the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) since his release on bail in November 2022, claimed he could not afford the monthly cost of $1,500 for the device. His bank account reportedly held less than $10,000. Hill emphasized the circumstantial nature of the case against his client, stating that there was no evidence indicating that Yaffe was aware of Bell’s death at the time of the incident. Furthermore, forensic experts had not detected Yaffe’s DNA or fingerprints within the fridge or the materials used to wrap it.
The court’s proceedings continue to draw attention, reflecting broader societal concerns about violence against women and the legal system’s handling of such cases. As investigations unfold, the legal and emotional ramifications of Bell’s tragic death remain in focus.
