Vic accused killer's death concerns son

The son of accused double murderer Robert Penny says he is extremely sad his father's death may prevent justice being done.

Robert Penny, 83, died on Saturday before he could face a committal hearing over the stabbing deaths of his wife Margaret and her hairdresser Claire Acocks on May 3, 1991.

The women were found beaten, stabbed and had their throats slit in the Old London Coiffure Hairdressers in Portland, in Victoria's west.

Penny's son Tony, who changed his surname, said he was "extremely saddened" his father's death might prevent the women's families ever getting justice over "this terrible crime".

He, along with Margaret's sister Linda, echoed calls for a second inquest to be held, saying it should happen as soon as possible so that all current evidence could be considered.

"I believe that the families of Margaret and Claire, along with many other people who knew and loved them both, as well as the community of Portland, deserve and have the right to expect that a second inquest is held," Tony said in a statement on Thursday.

He also said he was very disappointed Penny's committal hearing had been delayed, particularly when his ill health was known to the court.

Penny, who suffered from emphysema, diabetes and cirrhosis of the liver, was charged over the killings last year, and granted bail under strict conditions.

The slain hairdresser's son, Tim Acocks, has also called for a second inquest.

Penny's lawyer, Rob Stary, has said investigations should continue otherwise a "cloud" would continue to hang over his client's legacy.

"We think the perpetrator is still out there somewhere and we want to ensure the police continue with their investigation," Mr Stary told News Corp.

Penny had missed several court appearances due to his ill health, including time in hospital for quadruple by-pass surgery.

Family and friends of the victims have previously wept in court, frustrated by the continual delays, and concerned Penny would die before the outcome of the trial.

In November, the Melbourne Magistrates Court heard that Penny asked a local shopkeeper for a product to clean up blood, a report police overlooked at the time.