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Boyfriend Ricardo Barbaro sentenced to 28 years in prison

Posted on by L. Dreeye
Boyfriend Ricardo Barbaro sentenced to 28 years in prison

A murderer who viciously stabbed his girlfriend to death and then fled the state has been jailed for 28 years.

Ricardo Barbaro, 38, looked up and raised his eyebrows as he was sentenced in the Victorian Supreme Court this morning.

In September 2023, a jury found him guilty of murdering his 26-year-old girlfriend Ellie Price in her home. South Melbourne at home April 29, 2020
Ricardo Barbaro arrives at the Supreme Court today for his sentencing hearing. (Simon Schluter / Nine)

He left the scene of the murder in her Mercedes Benz and then abandoned the vehicle at Diggers Rest, northwest of Melbourne.

Price’s body remained undetected until May 4, when police went to her home to conduct a welfare check.

The child’s mother was found with stab wounds and a cut on her neck.

After media reports that her body had been found, Barbaro fled to New South Wales in a van.

He was arrested 10 days later and charged with Price’s murder.

Judge Stephen Kay today described the murder as a senseless and brutal crime against a vulnerable woman.

Ellie Price
Ellie Price’s body was discovered by police during a welfare check at her home five days after her murder. (Attached)
Ellie Price’s family and friends appeared in court today for Ricardo Barbaro’s sentencing. (Nine)

“She was alone, completely defenseless and clearly defeated by you,” he told Barbaro.

“Your murderous attack was brutal, vicious and completely merciless.”

He sentenced Barbaro to 28 years in prison and will be eligible for parole after serving 22 years.

Price’s family and friends appeared in court for sentencing.

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